How pfas infiltrate drinking water sources and what to do about it

Understanding the PFAS Problem in Drinking Water

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, better known as PFAS, have earned the unnerving nickname “forever chemicals” — and for good reason. These synthetic compounds are designed to resist heat, oil, grease, and water, making them popular in industrial and consumer products since the 1940s. But this same persistence means they don’t break down easily, instead accumulating in soil, water, and even the human body. The result? Widespread environmental contamination, particularly in our drinking water systems.

So how exactly do PFAS seep into our drinking water, and what steps can we take to address this growing public health concern? Let’s dive in.

How PFAS Enter Drinking Water Sources

PFAS contamination isn’t the result of a single source spilling into a stream. Rather, it’s a complicated network of industrial discharge, landfill runoff, wastewater sludge, and everyday products that leach into our environment. Here are the primary pathways through which PFAS infiltrate drinking water supplies:

• Industrial Facilities: Sites that manufacture or use PFAS — including chemical plants, metal plating industries, and textile manufacturers — often discharge waste containing PFAS into nearby water bodies or soil.
• Firefighting Foam: Airports, military bases, and firefighting training centers frequently use aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), which contains high concentrations of PFAS. Over time, this foam seeps into the ground and contaminates groundwater.
• Landfills and Wastewater Treatment Plants: Products containing PFAS — think non-stick pans, food packaging, and stain-resistant clothing — end up in the trash or wastewater systems. PFAS can leach from landfills or escape from effluent and sludge used as fertilizer, finding their way into water sources.
• Rainwater Transport: Once in the environment, PFAS can be carried by rain and surface water runoff into rivers, lakes, and the underground water table that households rely on for drinking water.

Because PFAS are water-soluble and chemically stable, traditional water treatment plants are not equipped to remove them. This leaves many residents unknowingly consuming contaminated water for years.

Health Risks Linked to PFAS Exposure

There’s no sugar-coating it: PFAS exposure poses serious health risks. More than 3,000 peer-reviewed scientific studies have linked PFAS to a variety of health issues. Some of the most well-documented effects include:

• Increased cancer risk: Particularly kidney and testicular cancers.
• Immune system suppression: PFAS can reduce vaccine response, especially in children.
• Hormonal disruptions: Changes in thyroid hormone levels, which regulate metabolism and development.
• Reproductive issues: Lower birth weights and fertility complications have been observed with chronic exposure.
• Elevated cholesterol levels: Even at low exposure levels, PFAS have been associated with increased cholesterol.

What’s especially troubling is the fact that these substances bioaccumulate — meaning they build up in the body over time. So even if you’re drinking low doses, the risks multiply the longer exposure continues without intervention.

Detecting PFAS in Your Water Supply

Wondering if PFAS might be in your tap water? You’re not alone. In fact, a 2023 study found that over 45% of U.S. tap water samples contain at least one PFAS compound. While not all countries have conducted as extensive monitoring efforts, Europe and the UK are beginning to wake up to the seriousness of the issue.

To determine contamination, municipalities or private homeowners can carry out laboratory testing. Analytical methods like EPA Method 537.1 or ISO 21675 can detect a wide spectrum of PFAS compounds at parts-per-trillion levels. Unfortunately, such testing isn’t cheap — a deterrent for many small communities or private well owners.

If you use municipal water, ask your local water authority for testing data or their Consumer Confidence Report. If you’re on a private well and suspect PFAS contamination — especially if you live near a known PFAS source — testing your water may be the only way to know for sure.

Regulatory Efforts and Legal Action

Recent years have seen mounting regulatory efforts to address PFAS. While the science continues to evolve, many governments have started setting binding limits on PFAS concentrations in drinking water. For example:

• In the UK: The Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) has issued guidelines recommending less than 100 ng/L (nanograms per litre) for total PFAS, but these are not currently legal limits.
• In the US: The EPA has proposed enforceable maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for six PFAS chemicals, aiming to implement legally binding standards.
• In the EU: Recent legislation under the Drinking Water Directive (Directive (EU) 2020/2184) sets a maximum limit of 100 ng/L for the sum of 20 PFAS compounds, becoming mandatory across member states by 2026.

Additionally, numerous lawsuits have been filed against PFAS manufacturers, leading to multi-billion-dollar settlements. These legal efforts are shining a spotlight on decades of corporate negligence — and could provide funding for cleanup and safer technologies.

What You Can Do to Reduce Exposure

While systemic action is essential, there are proactive steps individuals can take to reduce their exposure to PFAS-contaminated drinking water.

1. Install a Certified Water Filtration System

Activated carbon filters and reverse osmosis systems are currently the most effective household filtration options for PFAS. Look for models certified under NSF/ANSI standards 53 or 58, specifically for PFAS reduction. Keep in mind:

• Granular Activated Carbon (GAC): More effective for longer-chain PFAS such as PFOA and PFOS; filter media needs to be replaced regularly to remain effective.
• Reverse Osmosis (RO): Effective against a wider range of PFAS, including short-chain compounds, but may waste water during the filtration process.

Be wary of marketing claims — not all filters are created equal. Always verify performance data with independent testing or certification bodies.

2. Stay Informed

Knowledge is power. Stay updated on your local water quality reports, regulatory changes, and PFAS hotspots using resources like:

• PFAS Pollution Map (WaterWise)
• Environmental Working Group (EWG)
• UK Government Environment Agency – Water Quality

3. Pressure Local Authorities

Communities have tremendous power when they act collectively. If PFAS testing and treatment aren’t happening in your area, speak up. Petition your local council, support environmental NGOs, and participate in public consultations about water safety. Public pressure has already led to stronger regulations and cleanup efforts in several UK regions.

Innovations in PFAS Filtration and Cleanup

One of the more hopeful developments in recent years is the surge in research focused on removing PFAS from water. Scientists are exploring novel materials and technologies, such as:

• Ion exchange resins: These materials bind PFAS molecules from water with a high degree of efficiency. Often used in conjunction with carbon filters.
• Electrochemical oxidation: A process that breaks down PFAS at a molecular level using electricity. Still in early-stage development but promising.
• Plasma treatment: Advanced oxidation using cold plasma that could destroy PFAS compounds entirely with minimal by-products.

Many of these innovations are not yet available for household consumers, but they signal progress toward scalable solutions for large-scale PFAS remediation in the future.

A Call to Vigilance and Action

PFAS contamination is not just a technical issue — it’s a systemic one. The fact that chemicals used to make raincoats and popcorn bags have ended up in drinking water is emblematic of a broader oversight in how we regulate synthetic compounds. But change is underway — thanks to persistent scientists, informed citizens, and a growing global awareness about the impact of PFAS.

As individuals, we can vote with our wallets, pressure decision-makers, and protect our own drinking water. As communities, we can demand accountability and push for long-term solutions. The forever chemicals may be here to stay — but that doesn’t mean we have to accept them in our glasses.