How to filter PFAS from your water: Practical steps for every household

By Malana VanTyler | USA Today | May 6, 2026

Read the full article by Malana VanTyler (USA Today)

"Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are now a common topic in conversations about drinking water. Known as “forever chemicals,” PFAS are valued in manufacturing for their heat, grease, and water resistance. Those same chemical properties, however, also make them extremely persistent in the environment, and once released, they can remain in soil and groundwater for decades.

Growing scientific attention has led to stronger federal oversight. In 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency finalized enforceable limits of 4 parts per trillion (ppt) for two widely studied PFAS compounds, PFOA and PFOS, in public drinking water systems. This represents the first nationwide regulatory standard for these chemicals and requires utilities to test their water supplies and treat sources that exceed the limit.

But water quality in the U.S. is highly localized. Some communities have reported PFAS contamination associated with industrial activity and firefighting foam. At the same time, many municipal systems report PFAS levels well below federal limits. That variation makes understanding local water conditions an important first step for households considering additional filtration."