5 Signs of PFAS in Your Tap Water & What To Do

PFAS, often called "forever chemicals," are a group of man-made substances that have been used in everything from nonstick cookware to firefighting foam and water-resistant products. Their nickname comes from their ability to persist in the environment for decades without breaking down.

The challenge with PFAS is that they are virtually impossible to detect on your own. They don't change the color, taste, or smell of your water, making contamination difficult to identify without testing. 

However, several warning signs of PFAS in tap water may indicate your household is at a higher risk for exposure.

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a large family of synthetic chemicals that have been widely used since the 1940s. They’re known as “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down naturally.

Where PFAS are commonly found:

• Tap water

• Nonstick cookware

• Water-resistant clothing

• Food packaging

• Stain-resistant carpets

• Firefighting foam

PFAS can accumulate in the body over time, and research has linked long-term exposure to a variety of potential health concerns.

Once PFAS enter the body, they can remain there for years, which is why they're often called "forever chemicals." There isn't a proven way to quickly remove PFAS from your body. Instead, the best approach is to reduce ongoing exposure so your body's PFAS levels can gradually decline over time. 

It’s difficult for homeowners to know if they have PFAS in tap water because you can’t see them. The water still looks clear, not cloudy or discolored.

You also can’t taste them. Unlike chlorine or sulfur, PFAS do not create a distinctive taste.

And finally, you can’t smell PFAS. 

Because PFAS are invisible, odorless, and tasteless, testing your water for PFAS is the only way to know for certain whether they are present.

PFAS contamination isn't limited to one type of home or neighborhood. While these forever chemicals can be found in water supplies across the country, certain factors can increase your home's likelihood of exposure:

1. You live near military bases, airports, manufacturing, or industrial facilities

2. Your home relies on well water

3. There is a landfill near your community

4. Your water utility has issued PFAS advisories

5. PFAS have been detected in nearby communities

PFAS chemicals can enter groundwater through manufacturing processes, firefighting foam, landfill runoff, and everyday waste. From there, they can travel into rivers, lakes, and municipal water supplies, making their way into the water that homes rely on for drinking, cooking, and bathing. 

In recent years, researchers have been paying attention to the effects of PFAS exposure. It has become a growing public health concern because these chemicals can accumulate in the body over time.

Areas being studied:

• Immune system impacts

• Hormonal disruption

• Developmental effects

• Liver health

• Cardiovascular health

Research on PFAS is ongoing, and scientists continue to learn more about the long-term effects of exposure. The one thing everyone can agree on is that the best choice for overall health is to avoid PFAS exposure as much as possible.

If you're concerned about PFAS in your drinking water, there are several ways to learn more about your local water quality and determine whether additional testing or filtration may be worth considering. 

• Look at your city’s water quality report to see contaminants present in your water.

• Certified laboratory testing is the most reliable way to identify PFAS contamination.

• Consider professional water analysis to identify PFAS and other contaminants that may be affecting your home's water quality.

Testing frequency depends on your location, water source, and individual risk factors. If you rely on well water or live in an area with known PFAS contamination, more frequent testing may be appropriate. 

Finding PFAS in your water can feel concerning, but there are practical steps you can take to reduce your exposure and avoid forever chemicals.

Not all water filters are designed to reduce PFAS. Some focus on chlorine, hard water, or lead.

For PFAS reduction, look for these types of water filters:

• Reverse osmosis systems

• Activated carbon filtration

• Specialized PFAS treatment systems

Look for filtration products that have been independently tested and certified for PFAS reduction. Don’t rely on marketing claims alone.

If your primary concern is PFAS in drinking water, a certified drinking water filtration system may be the most appropriate solution. For showering, a shower filter can help improve water quality by reducing contaminants such as chlorine and particulates. The Weddell Duo has also been independently verified for PFAS reduction, providing an additional layer of confidence for your daily shower routine. 

Shower filtration is the biggest opportunity. Some benefits of a shower filter are:

• Reduction of chlorine

• Reduction of sediment and particulates

• Improved skin comfort

• Healthier-looking hair

Different filtration systems target different contaminants. Knowing what's in your water helps you choose the right solution for your household.

No. Boiling water does not remove PFAS. Because PFAS are chemical compounds, heat doesn't break them down during normal boiling. In fact, boiling water can slightly increase the concentration of PFAS as some of the water evaporates while the chemicals remain behind. 

Unlike many water quality issues, PFAS contamination typically comes with no visible warning signs. Clear, odorless, great-tasting water can still contain these persistent chemicals. 

Understanding your risk and pursuing water testing can provide valuable peace of mind. The first step toward cleaner water is knowing exactly what's coming out of your tap.

Shop the Weddell Duo shower filter to reduce chlorine while maintaining verified reductions of PFAS and particulates, all without compromising water pressure.