PFAS / PFOS (Forever Chemicals)

What Are PFAS / PFOS (Forever Chemicals)?

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), including PFOS and PFOA, are a large family of man-made chemicals used in products like nonstick coatings, firefighting foams, and stain repellents. They’re often called “forever chemicals” because they:

• Break down very slowly in the environment
• Can travel long distances in groundwater and surface water
• May accumulate in soil, water, and living organisms over time

When PFAS reach drinking water supplies, they typically don’t change the look, smell, or taste of water—which is why testing is so important.

How PFAS / PFOS End Up in Water

PFAS can reach your tap through:

• Groundwater near industrial, military, or fire-training sites
• Landfills and wastewater discharge where PFAS-containing products break down
• Materials and infrastructure that have been exposed to PFAS historically

Both private wells and public supplies can be affected, which is why PFAS is now listed as one of the more serious modern Common Water Problems.

Because PFAS issues are highly site-specific, we always recommend testing and professional interpretation before selecting any treatment.

Why PFAS in Water Is a Concern

Concerns around PFAS / PFOS focus on:

• Their persistence in the environment
• Their ability to move and build up in water and soil
• Ongoing research into potential health impacts

Regulatory guidelines and limits are evolving, and different locations may follow different standards. Our goal is to help you:

• Understand what testing shows
• Explore practical treatment options
• Choose a system that matches your risk tolerance, goals, and budget

We never guess at PFAS treatment; we design around your actual test results.

How We Treat PFAS / PFOS in Water

There’s no single cartridge that solves PFAS for every situation. Instead, we use Specialty Water Filtration and advanced treatment technologies as part of a full solution.

Specialty Media for PFAS

We often deploy adsorptive media specifically selected to target PFAS compounds. These systems are:

• Sized for your flow rate and water chemistry
• Installed either at point-of-entry (whole-home) or point-of-use (at key taps)
• Integrated into broader Whole-Home Water Treatment or Well Water Treatment designs

→ Specialty Water Filtration

Reverse Osmosis for Drinking & Cooking Water

For critical drinking and cooking water, we frequently use:

• Reverse Osmosis systems under the sink or in nearby cabinetry
• Combined with pre- and post-filtration for best performance
• Often tied into refrigerators and ice makers

RO can significantly reduce many PFAS compounds when properly designed, maintained, and supported by the right pre-treatment.

For focused protection at key taps, we may pair:

• Under-sink Reverse Osmosis
• Additional Under Sink Water Filter stages where appropriate

Whole-Home vs. Point-of-Use for PFAS

There are two main strategies:

• Whole-home treatment
  • Addresses PFAS before water enters your home’s plumbing
  • Helps provide consistent water quality at all taps
  • Often uses Specialty Water Filtration media tanks
• Point-of-use treatment
  • Focuses on taps used for drinking, cooking, and ice
  • Often uses Reverse Osmosis and specialized cartridges
  • Typically the most cost-effective way to prioritize water you ingest

In many cases, best results come from a combination of whole-home and point-of-use treatment. We’ll walk through the trade-offs with you.

PFAS Solutions for Homes, Businesses & Systems

Homeowners

As part of Residential Solutions, we help families who:

• Have PFAS indicated in test results or local notices
• Want more than a generic filter but don’t know where to start
• Prefer a clear, customized plan rather than trial-and-error equipment

We design systems that fit your home, plumbing, and daily use—and clearly explain what each piece does.

Businesses & Facilities

Within Commercial Solutions, PFAS treatment may be important for:

• Offices and healthcare sites where staff and visitors regularly drink tap water
• Food and beverage operations looking for higher water quality
• Properties wanting to address PFAS proactively for employees and guests

We design systems that can handle higher throughput, continuous use, and documentation needs.

Municipal & Government Applications

Through Municipal & Government Solutions, we assist:

• Small systems or facilities dealing with PFAS in source water
• Public-facing buildings where test results need practical responses
• Projects requiring engineered solutions, documentation, and long-term Water Treatment System Installation & Maintenance

Our Process for PFAS / PFOS Treatment

1. Review & Testing
   We start with any existing test results you have and, if needed, help coordinate appropriate PFAS testing for your water source.
2. Interpretation & Discussion
   We explain what the numbers mean in plain language and talk through options based on your goals, regulations, and risk tolerance.
3. System Design
   We design a treatment strategy that may include Specialty Water Filtration, Reverse Osmosis, Under Sink Water Filter, and integration with Whole-Home Water Treatment or Well Water Treatment.
4. Professional Installation
   We install and commission the system, ensuring proper flow, contact time, and plumbing layout.
5. Ongoing Maintenance & Follow-Up
   Through Water Treatment System Installation & Maintenance, we track media life, change filters, and recommend follow-up testing as appropriate.