Is There PFOA or PFOS in Drinking Water?

The issue of chemicals entering our bodies from eating and drinking is not something new, but there are new chemicals coming about that we should be concerned with. And, as always, the problem is the volume of chemicals entering our systems through drinking water.

Here is information about PFOA – perfluorooctanoic acid — and PSAS — perfluorooctane sulfonate — in water.

What are PFOA and PFOS?

PFOA and PFOS are chemicals widely used in the manufacture of industrial and consumer products. You find PFOA or PFOS in Teflon-coated items and waterproof clothing. These chemicals are used in stain repellents, fast food wrappers, and even personal care products.

Since the chemicals are so widely used, most naturally they tend to spread into the ground causing damage to your health. The problem is that most of us cannot manage without takeout containers, or non-stick pots and pans. These man-made chemicals (PFOA and PFOS) are stubborn and get infiltrated into the environment. In this context, they also make their way into the groundwater and in your drinking water.

Test Your Water

Given that you can find PFOA or PSAS in drinking water for people living near manufacturing hubs, it is a necessity to ascertain whether you have chemicals in your drinking water. Testing drinking water is the only way to determine if your water is affected, as the quantities the EPA recommends as a maximum allowable level are in the parts per trillion.

Water Filter to the Rescue?

Any high quality NSF/ANSI Standards 53 and 58 filter — like Aquasana water filters — is a good way to eradicate the negative impacts of these chemicals. NSF/ANSI 53 will apply to standard point-of-use water filters while NSF/ANSI 58 will apply to reverse-osmosis water filters.

These two certifications are the consumer-facing certification that contains the P473 test, which is Drinking Water Treatment Unit testing for PFOA and PFOS.

A Constant Problem

The use of PFAS and PFOA hasn’t lessened in 2020 and they do not seem to be on their way towards further regulation. The deep-rooted level that these man-made chemicals have penetrated the ground, particularly in industrial areas is a cause for concern, but they do not seem likely to be outlawed in the near future.

Understanding Your CCR and MCL

Evidence on a global spectrum has proven that while municipalities are doing their bit through filtration systems, filtration needs to be done often and and at the home level. Gone are the days when we believed that tap or well water is perfectly clean.

It is mandated in the United States that water customers receive a valid CCR (consumer confidence report). An agency tests the water in buildings ensuring whether it is suitable for consumption and which contaminants are present in it. The MCL (maximum contaminant level) indicates as to the highest level of the contaminant allowed in the drinking water.

To put it in perspective, on the global spectrum, you most certainly will find certain amounts of chemicals in your drinking water. It is necessary to ensure that tests are conducted, otherwise, down the line, you may end up with long-term health-related problems.