PFAS in Well Water: Forever Chemicals Treatment Guide

They're called "forever chemicals" because they don't break down—in the environment or in your body. PFAS contamination is one of the most significant emerging water quality crises in America, and private well owners are particularly vulnerable because they're responsible for their own testing and treatment.

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a family of over 12,000 synthetic chemicals that have been used since the 1940s in everything from non-stick pans to firefighting foam. They're now found in the blood of 98% of Americans and in drinking water supplies across the country. For well owners near military bases, airports, industrial sites, or landfills, the risk is especially high.

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The Scale of the Problem

PFAS have been detected in drinking water supplies serving over 100 million Americans. Private wells are largely untested, but studies suggest contamination may be even more widespread than currently known. In 2024, the EPA established the first federal limits for PFAS in drinking water.

Understanding PFAS: The "Forever Chemicals"

PFAS have unique properties that make them incredibly useful for industry—and incredibly problematic for human health and the environment.

What Makes PFAS Different

The defining characteristic of PFAS is the carbon-fluorine bond, one of the strongest chemical bonds in organic chemistry. This bond gives PFAS their useful properties—resistance to heat, water, oil, and stains—but also makes them essentially indestructible in the environment.

Persistence: PFAS don't break down naturally; some may persist for thousands of years
Bioaccumulation: They build up in the body over time; the half-life in humans is 2-8 years for some PFAS
Mobility: PFAS dissolve easily in water and can travel great distances through groundwater
Ubiquity: Found everywhere—from remote Arctic ice to human breast milk

Common Types of PFAS

PFAS Type	Common Name/Use	Status
PFOA	Teflon production; firefighting foam	Phased out but still in environment
PFOS	Scotchgard; firefighting foam	Phased out but still in environment
PFNA	Industrial processes	Still in production
PFHxS	Firefighting foam; textiles	Being phased out
GenX	PFOA replacement	In use; similar concerns

Sources of PFAS Contamination

Understanding contamination sources helps identify whether your well might be at risk:

Major PFAS Contamination Sources

Military Bases: AFFF (aqueous film-forming foam) used for firefighting training
Airports: Firefighting foam used on runways and training areas
Fire Training Facilities: Repeated use of AFFF concentrates contamination
Industrial Sites: Chrome plating, electronics, textiles, paper production
Landfills: Leachate from products containing PFAS
Wastewater Treatment: Can concentrate and release PFAS
Biosolids Application: Sewage sludge used as fertilizer

Health Effects of PFAS Exposure

The health effects of PFAS are increasingly well-documented, though research continues to reveal new concerns:

Established Health Effects

Increased cholesterol levels: One of the most consistent findings across studies
Liver enzyme changes: Indicators of liver stress or damage
Decreased vaccine response: Particularly concerning for children's immunity
Pregnancy complications: Including preeclampsia (high blood pressure) and low birth weight
Kidney cancer: Strong associations, particularly with PFOA
Testicular cancer: Elevated risk documented in exposed populations

Probable/Emerging Health Concerns

Thyroid disease: Interference with hormone function
Ulcerative colitis: Inflammatory bowel disease
Decreased fertility: Both male and female reproductive effects
Developmental effects: Impacts on child growth and development
Immune system suppression: Reduced ability to fight infections
Breast cancer: Emerging evidence of increased risk

Vulnerable Populations

Pregnant women, nursing mothers, infants, and children are particularly vulnerable to PFAS effects. PFAS can cross the placenta and are found in breast milk. If you're in a high-risk area and have young children or are pregnant, testing should be a priority.

California and Federal PFAS Regulations

EPA Standards (2024)

In 2024, the EPA established the first enforceable federal limits for PFAS in drinking water:

PFAS Compound	MCL (Maximum Contaminant Level)
PFOA	4 parts per trillion (ppt)
PFOS	4 parts per trillion (ppt)
PFHxS	10 ppt (or part of hazard index)
PFNA	10 ppt (or part of hazard index)
GenX (HFPO-DA)	10 ppt (or part of hazard index)

What is a part per trillion? It's incredibly small—equivalent to one drop of water in 20 Olympic-sized swimming pools, or one second in 31,700 years. These strict limits reflect how toxic PFAS are even at minute concentrations.

California's PFAS Limits

California has established notification and response levels for public water systems:

PFOA Notification Level: 5.1 ppt | Response Level: 10 ppt
PFOS Notification Level: 6.5 ppt | Response Level: 40 ppt

While private wells aren't regulated by these standards, they provide guidance for what levels warrant action.

Testing Your Well for PFAS

When to Consider Testing

PFAS testing is more expensive than standard water tests, so prioritize testing if:

You live within 1-3 miles of a military base (active or closed)
You're near an airport with firefighting training areas
You're near fire stations or firefighter training facilities
You're downstream from industrial facilities (electronics, chrome plating, textiles)
You're near a landfill, especially older unlined landfills
You're in an area where biosolids (sewage sludge) are applied to land
Your community has known PFAS contamination

Testing Process

PFAS testing is specialized and more complex than standard water testing:

Cost: $200-400 for comprehensive PFAS panels testing 20-40 compounds
Laboratory: Must be EPA-certified for PFAS analysis (EPA Methods 533, 537.1)
Sample handling: Special bottles and procedures required; PFAS-free materials
Turnaround: 2-4 weeks typically

Important: Standard water quality tests do NOT include PFAS. You must specifically request PFAS testing. Some labs offer basic PFAS tests for less, but comprehensive panels testing multiple PFAS compounds provide better information.

Treatment Options for PFAS Removal

The good news is that effective treatment technologies exist for PFAS removal. The challenge is selecting the right system and maintaining it properly.

Reverse Osmosis (Most Effective for Home Use)

Reverse osmosis is the gold standard for residential PFAS treatment:

Effectiveness: 90-99% removal of most PFAS
Type: Point-of-use (under sink) most common for residential
Cost: $200-600 for point-of-use systems
Certification: Look for NSF/ANSI 58 certification; NSF P473 for PFAS specifically
Maintenance: Filter changes every 6-12 months; membrane every 2-3 years
Pros: Highly effective, removes many other contaminants
Cons: Produces wastewater (3:1 ratio typical), limited to drinking water point

Granular Activated Carbon (GAC)

Activated carbon can remove PFAS but effectiveness varies:

Effectiveness: 60-80% for long-chain PFAS (PFOA, PFOS); less effective for short-chain
Types: Point-of-use filters or whole-house systems
Cost: $50-200 for POU; $1,000-3,000 for whole-house
Certification: Look for NSF P473 certification specifically
Important: Not all carbon filters work—must be specifically designed for PFAS
Maintenance: Regular replacement critical; breakthrough can occur if overused

Ion Exchange (IX)

Ion exchange resins specifically designed for PFAS can be highly effective:

Effectiveness: 90%+ for most PFAS compounds
Type: Typically whole-house systems
Cost: $2,000-5,000+ for residential systems
Pros: Effective for wide range of PFAS; good for whole-house treatment
Cons: Higher cost; spent resin disposal considerations

What Doesn't Work for PFAS

Boiling: Does not remove PFAS and may concentrate them
Standard pitcher filters: Typically not effective
Standard refrigerator filters: Usually not effective
UV treatment: Does not break down PFAS
Water softeners: Not designed for PFAS removal

Choosing the Right System

Treatment Decision Guide

For drinking/cooking water only: Point-of-use reverse osmosis (best option)
For whole-house treatment: GAC or ion exchange system (professionally designed)
Budget option: NSF P473 certified carbon filter, but monitor and replace regularly
For very high contamination: Professional consultation for multi-stage treatment

Reducing Overall PFAS Exposure

While treating your water is important, PFAS exposure comes from many sources:

Avoid stain-resistant treatments on furniture and carpets
Choose PFAS-free cookware (cast iron, stainless steel)
Avoid fast food packaging when possible (often contains PFAS)
Choose personal care products without PTFE or "fluoro" ingredients
Avoid water-resistant clothing treated with PFAS (look for PFAS-free alternatives)
Check cosmetics for PFAS ingredients (PTFE, perfluoro- compounds)

Frequently Asked Questions

What are PFAS and why are they called 'forever chemicals'?

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of over 12,000 synthetic chemicals used since the 1940s in non-stick cookware, water-resistant fabrics, food packaging, and firefighting foam. They're called "forever chemicals" because the carbon-fluorine bond is one of the strongest in nature—these chemicals don't break down naturally in the environment or human body. They accumulate over time, which is why even low-level exposure is concerning. Common PFAS include PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, and GenX.

What is the safe level of PFAS in drinking water?

The EPA established enforceable limits in 2024: 4 parts per trillion (ppt) each for PFOA and PFOS, with additional limits for other PFAS. California has notification levels of 5.1 ppt for PFOA and 6.5 ppt for PFOS, with response levels requiring action at 10 ppt for PFOA and 40 ppt for PFOS. To put this in perspective, parts per trillion is incredibly small—equivalent to one drop of water in 20 Olympic swimming pools. These strict limits reflect how toxic these chemicals are even at minute concentrations.

How do I know if my well water has PFAS contamination?

PFAS have no taste, odor, or color—the only way to know is through specialized laboratory testing. Standard water tests don't include PFAS. Testing costs $200-400 for a comprehensive PFAS panel due to the sophisticated analysis required. Consider testing if you're near military bases, airports, industrial facilities, firefighter training areas, or landfills. Some states offer subsidized testing programs. Use an EPA-certified lab experienced in PFAS analysis, as these chemicals require special handling and detection methods.

What is the best water filter to remove PFAS?

The most effective treatments for PFAS removal are reverse osmosis systems (90-99% removal), granular activated carbon (GAC) filters (60-80% removal depending on PFAS type), and ion exchange systems (90%+ removal). For point-of-use treatment, NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 certified reverse osmosis systems are most reliable. Not all carbon filters work equally—look for NSF P473 certification specifically for PFAS removal. Standard pitcher filters and refrigerator filters typically don't remove PFAS effectively. For whole-house treatment, specialized systems designed for PFAS are recommended.

What are the health effects of PFAS exposure?

PFAS exposure is linked to numerous health effects including increased cholesterol levels, changes in liver enzymes, decreased vaccine response in children, increased risk of high blood pressure during pregnancy (preeclampsia), increased risk of kidney and testicular cancer, thyroid disease, decreased fertility, and developmental effects in children. These chemicals accumulate in the body over years, and the effects may not appear immediately. Because they don't break down, reducing exposure now helps prevent further accumulation.

Concerned About PFAS in Your Well Water?

Southern California Well Service can help coordinate specialized water testing and connect you with water quality solutions. We serve San Diego and Riverside Counties with expert well services.

Call (760) 463-0493 for Expert Advice

PFAS in Well Water