PFAS ‘forever chemicals’ in drinking water can be removed — here’s how

There’s something in the water — and you should get it out.

Scientists have sounded the alarm about the group of toxic chemicals commonly known as PFAS, or per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances.

PFAS are often called “forever chemicals” because they persist in water, plants, soil and elsewhere in the environment — including animal and human bodies.

The chemicals have been used for generations in a wide range of consumer and industrial materials to make them water-resistant, non-stick and fire-retardant, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

PFAS also dissolve easily in water, and a 2023 report from the US Geological Survey revealed that PFAS have been found in 45% of drinking water in the US, including private wells and public water supplies.

The chemicals are implicated in a range of serious health concerns, from cancer, thyroid disease, liver damage and fertility problems to increased cholesterol levels, obesity, and hormonal disorders.

In March, the EPA proposed a restriction on PFAS in drinking water, which the agency believes could “prevent thousands of deaths and reduce tens of thousands of serious PFAS-attributable illnesses.”

Do water filters remove forever chemicals?

Until such a proposal becomes law, here are steps you can take to protect yourself and your family from PFAS in your drinking water.

A comprehensive new report by FoodPrint outlines inexpensive water filters that remove significant amounts of PFAS, including filters with activated carbon adsorption, ion exchange resins and high-pressure membranes.

These technologies can be whole-house filters installed at the point-of-entry, where water enters the house, or the point-of-use, such as in a kitchen sink or a shower. Point-of-use treatment tends to be less expensive than point-of-entry.

“To remove a specific contaminant like PFAS from drinking water, consumers should choose a water filtration device that is independently certified to remove that contaminant by a recognized lab,” said Jim Nanni of Consumer Reports.

Does boiling water remove forever chemicals?

Experts warn consumers that boiling water doesn’t remove PFAS. And while many homes have whole-house water-softening or iron-filtration systems, those systems don’t remove PFAS, either.

For a filter that removes PFAS, look for one with the code NSF/ANSI 53 (or NSF/ANSI 58 for reverse osmosis systems), followed by the manufacturer’s claim that the product can remove PFAS.

Remember that all filtration systems are effective only as long as they’re maintained, so follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning or replacing filters and other components.

For a list of recommended water filters that can remove PFAS, refer to Consumer Reports, this Environmental Science and Technology Letters article or the Environmental Working Group website for reviews and test results.