PFAS in Water: Understanding and Removing “Forever Chemicals”
Often referred to as “forever chemicals,” PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are man-made compounds that do not break down naturally in the environment or the human body. At Delmarva Water Solutions, we provide the advanced water testing and filtration technology required to identify and remove PFAS from your home’s water. This will both ensure your family’s safety and provide you with peace of mind.
What are Forever Chemicals (PFAS, PFOA, and PFOS)?
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) is a broad family of over 12,000 man-made chemicals used since the 1940s in consumer products. Because these chemicals were designed to resist heat, oil, and water, they are incredibly stable. This means they don’t break down naturally in the environment or the human body. This permanent nature has earned them the nickname “forever chemicals.”
When discussing PFAS in water, you will often see two specific acronyms mentioned: PFOA and PFOS. Think of these as the two most common and most dangerous “members” of the PFAS family:
- PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic acid): Historically used in the production of non-stick surfaces like Teflon.
- PFOS (Perfluorooctane sulfonate): Historically used in stain-resistant fabrics (like Scotchgard) and specialized firefighting foams.
To help homeowners understand the scale of this issue, the EPA provides a detailed PFAS explained resource covering how these chemicals move through our environment. While many U.S. manufacturers have phased out their production, these substances persist in the soil and groundwater across Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia.
Why PFAS is a Concern for Well Owners
While public water utilities are now facing stricter regulations under the per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) guidelines of the Safe Drinking Water Act, private well owners are responsible for their own safety. The EPA’s current understanding of human health and environmental risks of PFAS suggests that long-term exposure may be linked to:
- Immune system suppression and reduced vaccine effectiveness.
- Increased cholesterol levels and liver function changes.
- Higher risks of certain cancers, including kidney and testicular cancer.
- Thyroid disruption and potential impacts on infant birth weight.
Understanding these risks is the first step in taking a proactive approach to your home’s water quality. Because these chemicals are invisible, odorless, and tasteless, they cannot be detected without professional water testing.
Systems We Recommend for Removing PFAS from Water
Successfully addressing PFAS in your water requires high-grade, certified technology. At Delmarva Water Solutions, we utilize three primary methods for PFAS removal, depending on your home’s specific water chemistry and your goals.
Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems
By forcing water through a semi-permeable membrane, a reverse osmosis (RO) system strips away up to 99% of contaminants. This includes PFAS, nitrates, lead, arsenic, and salt. Homeowners on the Delmarva Peninsula have 2 options for their RO systems.
Compact point-of-use systems can be installed under the kitchen sink. They provide homeowners with on-demand access to pure drinking and cooking water where they need it most.
For homeowners with complex well water issues, we can install a whole-house RO system to treat every drop entering the home. Our technicians will evaluate your needs and recommend the perfect RO solution for your home.
Ion Exchange (Anion Resin): The Preferred Whole-Home Shield
We frequently recommend ion exchange systems for high-volume, whole-house PFAS removal. These systems use specialized resin beads with a positive charge that specifically “trap” negatively charged PFAS molecules as they pass through the tank.
Unlike RO, ion exchange does not produce “reject water” (brine) and has a higher flow rate, making it an incredibly efficient “set it and forget it” solution for protecting every shower and faucet in the house.
3. Activated Carbon: Point-of-Entry Protection
High-capacity activated carbon acts like a microscopic magnet for PFAS molecules. Our granular activated carbon (GAC) systems are often used as a cost-effective whole-house barrier. These water filtration systems are highly effective at capturing PFOA and PFOS while simultaneously improving the overall taste and odor of your water by removing chlorine and other chemicals.
Delmarva Water Solutions’ Step-by-Step Approach to Protecting You from Forever Chemicals
Reflecting the seriousness of the issue, we follow a strict four-step process to set you up with the best possible PFAS removal system. This process includes:
- Professional Lab Testing: We start with a water analysis in our full-service lab to confirm the presence and concentration of PFAS in your specific water supply.
- Custom System Design: Our WQA-certified technicians design a removal strategy based on your water’s chemical profile and, if relevant, the unique well water problems common on the Delmarva Peninsula.
- Expert Installation: Our licensed and bonded team performs the installation to factory specifications, followed by a complimentary 30-day follow-up test to verify performance.
- Verified Performance: After installation, we can perform follow-up testing to verify that the PFAS have been successfully removed, backed by our 1-year full money-back guarantee.
The presence of PFAS in drinking water is a modern challenge, but it is one with a proven solution. Since Delmarva Water Solutions offers everything from lab testing to 24 hour on-call service, we are your single partner for everything related to PFAS removal. Call us today or reach out online for more information or to schedule your free water test.