Understanding PFAS: The “Forever Chemicals”
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of manufactured chemicals that have been used in industry and consumer products since the 1940s and 50s. There are nearly 15,000 different types, though only a small subset are regulated or extensively studied. Often called “forever chemicals,” in water PFAS are a source of dangerous pollution. They persist in the environment and human body because they don’t break down naturally.
These synthetic compounds are extremely durable and resistant to heat, water, and oil. PFAS are found in many everyday products, such as:
- Non-stick cookware
- Water-resistant clothing and fabrics
- Stain-resistant carpets and furniture
- Food packaging materials
- Firefighting foams
- Personal care products and cosmetics
When these products are manufactured, used, or disposed of, PFAS can enter our water systems. This may occur through industrial discharge, landfill leachate, firefighting activities, and wastewater treatment plants. Once in the environment, these forever chemicals can contaminate public drinking water systems and private wells.
Health Concerns Associated With PFAS
Research has linked PFAS exposure to several health risks, especially at higher concentrations or with long-term exposure. These health effects may include:
- Increased cholesterol levels
- Liver damage
- Decreased fertility
- Higher risk of prostate, kidney, and testicular cancer
- Increased risk of type 2 diabetes in women
- High blood pressure or pre-eclampsia in pregnant women
- Small decreases in infant birth weight
- Decreased vaccine response and ability of the immune system to fight infections
What makes PFAS particularly concerning is their ability to accumulate in the human body over time. Unlike many other contaminants, these chemicals can remain in your system for years, potentially causing cumulative effects even from low-level exposure.
Contact Atlantic Blue Water Services today to schedule a PFAS water test!
EPA Regulations for PFAS in Drinking Water
In a big step to protect public health, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued national primary drinking water regulations for six PFAS in April 2024. These new standards set strict Maximum Contaminant Levels that public water systems must meet:
- PFOA in water: 4 parts per trillion (ppt)
- PFOS in water: 4 parts per trillion (ppt)
- PFNA, PFHxS, and GenX Chemicals: 10 ppt each
The regulations also introduce a Hazard Index approach for combinations of certain PFAS. The Hazard Index applies to mixtures containing two or more of the following: PFBS, GenX Chemicals, PFNA, and PFHxS. PFBS (Perfluorobutane Sulfonic Acid) contamination in drinking water does not have an individual Maximum Contaminant Level.
These low thresholds demonstrate the potential risks forever chemicals in water pose even at minute concentrations. To understand just how small these measurements are: One part per trillion is equivalent to a single drop of water in 20 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
If you’re concerned about the health impacts of PFAS in your tap water, contact Atlantic Blue Water Services for a PFAS water test.
Is Your Water Affected by PFAS?
PFAS contamination can affect both public water systems and private wells. Only municipal water is regulated and subject to EPA standards. Private well owners are responsible for regulating their own water quality.
Certain factors may increase your risk of PFAS in water:
- Living near manufacturing facilities that use PFAS
- Proximity to military bases or airports that use or have used PFAS-containing products
- Proximity to firefighting training areas
- Living in a community with known water district contamination
- Living near wastewater treatment plants or landfills
To give some perspective, approximately 70% of investigated landfills in New York State had PFOA and PFOS levels in groundwater exceeding the state’s maximum contaminant levels for drinking water.
Additionally, in 2024 PFAS were found in the drinking water of 10 schools in Harford County, MD. In 5 of these schools, levels were so elevated that the water was deemed unsafe to drink.
How To Address the Problem
So, what can you do about PFAS in drinking water? Unlike some water quality problems, PFAS cannot be detected by taste, smell, or appearance. The only way to know if your water contains these forever chemicals is through specialized testing.
Professional PFAS Water Testing Services
Even with recent EPA regulations, public water systems still remain polluted with PFAS. Many individuals are unaware that they reside in an area affected by water contamination. Private well owners face additional challenges, as they’re responsible for testing and treating their own water.
Atlantic Blue Water Services offers water testing for homeowners and businesses throughout Maryland and Southern Pennsylvania. Our professional testing services can detect even trace amounts of PFAS in your water supply.
Additionally, testing can identify microplastic contamination in your water, which can carry PFAS. While they are not the same thing, PFAS can bind to microplastics (primarily through adsorption).
During our testing process, we:
- Collect water samples using professional equipment and strict collection protocols
- Have our certified lab technicians test samples at our full-service laboratory
- Provide you with a detailed report of our findings
- Explain your results and recommend appropriate treatment options
PFAS testing does come with a fee due to the specialized laboratory analysis involved. However, it also provides invaluable peace of mind and the information you need to protect your family’s health.
Addressing PFAS: Water Treatment Solutions
If testing reveals PFAS in your water, Atlantic Blue Water Services offers several proven treatment options:
Activated Granular Carbon Filtration
Activated carbon systems can effectively remove many PFAS. These systems work through adsorption, where PFAS molecules stick to the carbon’s surface as water passes through.
Reverse Osmosis (RO)
Reverse osmosis systems force water through a semi-permeable membrane that blocks forever chemicals and many other contaminants.
Ion Exchange Treatment
For PFAS water contamination, ion exchange resins also offer powerful removal capabilities. These resins attract and hold PFAS molecules as water flows through the treatment system. This process removes them from your water supply.
For comprehensive protection, our water specialists often recommend a multi-treatment approach that combines different technologies. This strategy ensures effective removal of different PFAS along with other potential contaminants.
Protecting Against PFAS Chemicals & Other Contaminants
As regulations evolve and we learn more about forever chemicals, taking proactive steps to protect your water becomes increasingly important. Atlantic Blue Water Services helps Maryland and Pennsylvania residents put trust back in their water. We help customers:
- Understand their water quality through comprehensive testing
- Select appropriate treatment solutions based on specific contaminants
- Install and maintain effective water filtration systems
- Stay informed about changing regulations and emerging water quality concerns
Schedule a Water Test
Protect your family from PFAS and microplastic pollution with professional water testing and treatment. We offer both public water and well water treatment systems plus long-term maintenance services.
Contact Atlantic Blue Water Services to schedule a PFAS water test. Our water quality experts will help you understand your options and recommend the most effective way to remove PFAS.
FAQs About PFAS
Can boiling water remove PFAS?
Boiling water does not remove PFAS from water. Boiling can actually concentrate PFAS because water evaporates while the PFAS remain, potentially increasing the chemical concentration in the remaining water.
How often should I test for PFAS?
If you have a private well, you should test for PFAS when the well is first installed. After that, test your water every year, and potentially more frequently if PFAS are ever discovered.
Are PFAS regulated in bottled water?
No final answer has yet been given on PFAS regulations for bottled water.
PFAS are now regulated in public water in the United States, but this is a recent development. When the EPA’s new maximum contaminant levels for PFAS in public drinking water were set, by law, the FDA became required to establish standards for bottled water. Or, they could determine that regulation is not necessary.
If they don’t set regulations or determine that regulation is not necessary, then the levels set by the EPA will be applicable to bottled water.