How To Protect Your Water From 'Forever Chemicals'

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If you make a mental list of common household products that could be hazardous to your health, does your kitchen tap water come to mind? The majority of Americans filter their tap water to remove well-known contaminants like lead or chlorine. But "forever chemicals," or PFAS, have now begun to pollute drinking water, making that essential resource from your tap even more of a concern than it was already. Fortunately, you can protect your water from forever chemicals by contacting your water utility and investing in the right water filter.

For those not yet acquainted with this particular type of worry, PFAS are manufactured compounds that have been associated with numerous health concerns, including certain cancers, reproductive problems, and metabolic issues. It's because of their persistence both in our environments and in our bodies that PFAS are known as forever chemicals. One of the most widely known sources of forever chemicals is nonstick pans, such as those bearing the Teflon brand name. But these chemicals aren't just used on pots and pans — they are also found on grease-proof food packaging and dental floss, as well as stain-repellent and waterproof products. These compounds end up in our water supply due to household use as well as the manufacturing process, making tap water a potential source of exposure for all of us.

If you're ready to protect yourself from the forever chemicals coming out of your tap, first check on your home's tap water by contacting your local water utility to find out if it is monitoring for and filtering out PFAS. If it is doing neither, you can filter your household water yourself to be safe. If you have a well, your drinking supply may not be at risk of this type of contamination, but you can test your water just to make sure. A home water testing kit from a company such as Cyclopure is one way to find out if your own drinking supply is problematic or not.

If you find out your household water is exposing you to PFAS, a reverse osmosis or a granular activated carbon filter are the most effective ways to purify your household water and reduce the amount of forever chemicals. You can choose from convenient countertop filters, such as the ZeroWater 7-Cup 5-Stage Water Filter Pitcher, which was found by the EWG to remove 100% of tested PFAS from drinking water. Or you might prefer a whole-home system that will also filter your showering and bathing water. Before you make a purchase, make sure the filtration system has tested in a third-party laboratory or been certified for PFAS reduction. Look for the certifications NSF/ANSI 53 or NSF/ANSI 58.