PFAS can indeed be filtered from drinking water. However, not all filtration will remove PFAS from your water because they are man-made “forever” chemicals. The best filtration methods for PFAS removal are activated carbon filters, reverse osmosis systems, and NSF-certified filters that are rated for PFAS removal.
Properly installed filtration can help to reduce your exposure to PFAS, thus helping to improve the safety of your drinking and household water supply.
What Are PFAS, and Why Should You Care?
PFAS refers to a collection of thousands of synthetic compounds that have been found in various common products for decades (for example, nonstick pans, food wrappers, and clothing that repels water). The durability of these compounds is due to their strong carbon and fluorine bonds, which make PFAS highly stable and therefore resistant to heat, moisture, oil, and degradation.
Health organizations link PFAS exposure to serious issues, including elevated serum lipids and liver enzymes, reduced vaccine response, and lower birth weights. The EPA officially set the first-ever national drinking water standards for PFAS in April 2024, which means that there are now legally enforceable limits for 6 specific PFAS chemicals.
The Two Most Effective Filtration Methods
1. Activated Carbon Filtration
According to the EPA, carbon filtration removes 100% of certain PFAS from water. However, removal effectiveness may be influenced by carbon quality, flow rate, water temperature, and filter replacement frequency. Having a carbon filter that has been certified by NSF/ANSI 53 is best to reduce PFOA and PFOS levels in water (two of the most regulated PFAS).
2. Gravity Water Filters
Gravity water filters efficiently remove PFAS using certified dual-stage carbon filtration, no plumbing or electricity required.
For example, gravity filter systems that have been certified to perform as per NSF/ANSI 53 have the ability to remove both PFOA and PFOS, which are also two of the most highly regulated forms of PFAS.
The Phoenix Gravity Water Filter provides simple, low-maintenance PFAS removal for your drinking water without complex plumbing.
Do Whole-House Water Filters Remove PFAS?
Yes, some whole-house water filters can remove or reduce PFAS, but performance varies by system. The filter must be designed and tested for PFAS reduction. Because a whole-house system treats water before it reaches your taps, it can help reduce PFAS exposure across the home when the system has a verified PFAS claim. The answer to this question depends on the type of water filter that you have installed in your home.
Water filters that serve individual taps or under-the-sink water will only treat the water at that specific outlet. These types of filters are most beneficial at non-treated water locations because most exposure to PFAS via ingestion occurs through drinking and cooking food.
However, if you want to remove the whole house PFAS water filter, you may need to purchase a point-of-entry water filter. Whole-house systems filter all home water, ideal if you're concerned about absorbing PFAS through skin during baths or showers. Cost is the biggest disadvantage of these systems. They require larger amounts and types of carbon media to effectively remove PFAS and will require more frequent maintenance.
For most residential uses, a certified under-sink or countertop supplement gravity filter serving drinking and cooking tap water would be a practical and established first option.
Learn how the Phoenix Gravity countertop system filters your water - no plumbing required. See how it works.
What Certifications Should You Look For?
While certifications might seem like only marketing badges, they’re an important way to prove that a water filter has been independently tested and verified. When you are researching a water filter for PFAS, there are three important certifications that you should look for.
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NSF/ANSI 53: This applies to activated carbon systems specifically and ensures they’re capable of reducing PFOA and PFOS.
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NSF/ANSI/CAN 372: This certification shows that all wetted components used in the water filter contain less than 0.25% lead by weighted average. This is an important safety certification, in addition to reducing PFAS.
When checking to see if your product has these certifications, look for certification-noted products with either NSF/ANSI 53 or NSF/ANSI 58. Phoenix Gravity filters carry NSF/ANSI 42 certification (covering taste, odor, and chlorine reduction) and NSF/ANSI/CAN 372 for lead-free components.
You can see a review of the laboratory test report for all of our filter products; all are independently verified for reduction by laboratory tests performed on all Phoenix gravity filter products.
Why Phoenix Gravity Filter System?
The Phoenix Gravity Filter System was designed for families looking for effective, low-maintenance water filtration without the complications of an under-sink installation or the expense of a whole-house filtration system. The Phoenix Gravity countertop system uses no plumbing or electricity and delivers outstanding performance.
Every Phoenix Gravity filter system has a 10-year warranty, which is one of the longest warranties in the industry, and a 100-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free!
The Bottom Line
In the US, PFAS in drinking water is a significant but treatable issue. Generally, two types of filters can effectively do this at home: Activated carbon filters that have been certified by NSF/ANSI (Certification 53) and Gravity Filter systems that also have third-party certifications (Certification 58). Both will significantly remove or reduce the amount (90%+) of PFOA and PFOS from the water; however, if you want to remove PFAS from all of the water in your home, you would have to install a point-of-entry GAC filtration system for that to work effectively.
If your family is looking for a good starting point, you should consider an independently verified filter with a 10-year warranty and a 100-day money-back guarantee like Phoenix Gravity's.
Regardless of which option you choose, don't forget to consider the certifications of your filter before making your decision.
FAQs
Does boiling water remove PFAS?
No. Boiling water does not remove PFAS. These chemicals are very resistant to heat, so boiling is not a reliable way to reduce them. In fact, as water evaporates, the PFAS left behind can become more concentrated. If PFAS is a concern, use a filter that is specifically tested for PFAS reduction.
Does bottled water contain PFAS?
It can. PFAS have been detected in some bottled-water products, although levels can vary between brands and sources. Bottled water should not automatically be considered PFAS-free. If you are concerned about exposure, check the water source and consider filtration with a verified PFAS reduction claim.
How do I know if my water has PFAS?
Start by checking your local water quality report or contact your water supplier. If PFAS testing is available, review the reported results for your area. Private well owners may need to arrange their own testing through a qualified laboratory to know what is in their water.