LISLE, Ill. – The Water Quality Association (WQA) provides resources to help consumers understand the impact of PFAS in drinking water and how to successfully treat for these contaminants at the home or in a building. A report released today by the Environmental Working Group indicates that many more Americans than previously estimated might be exposed to PFAS from contaminated drinking water.
WQA has not reviewed EWG’s report nor verified its conclusions.
Among the resources WQA offers is a document within WQA’s “Water Q&A” which offers an easy-to-understand overview of PFAS, how one might be exposed to these chemicals and how PFAS can be removed from drinking water.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known collectively as PFAS, are man-made chemicals found in such things as firefighting foams and stain-resistant, waterproof and nonstick coatings. Because they break down slowly, if at all, they have turned up in drinking water systems across the nation in varying levels. Some individual states have begun regulating the chemicals.
In-home technologies such as reverse osmosis, carbon filtration and anion exchange have been independently tested and proven to be a successful final barrier to treat drinking water for PFAS. WQA’s website provides additional information on PFAS chemicals and product certification.
Resources include a PFAS Fact Sheet, a chart on State PFAS regulations, and a map of states with PFAS level regulations (WQA members only). PFAS is also listed among the common contaminants on WQA’s certified product listings.