Forever chemicals in water: What are PFAS and should I be worried about them in my drinking water?

We’re used to hearing about impurities in our tap water. From microplastics to lead traces and even dirt, tiny particles find their way into our water supply meaning that although passed as safe to drink, the quality of our drinking water is not 100%.

The not-so-great news is that there is also another type of contaminant found in drinking water: PFAS. We’re going to take a closer look at PFAS, what they are, whether they pose health risks to public health, and why water filtration has never been so important for your household.

What are PFAS

PFAS stand for perfluoroalkyl substances and polyfluoroalkyl substances, and are a large group of human-made chemicals used in various industrial and consumer products.

They are known for their (undeniably useful) water-, grease-, and stain-resistant properties and are found in widely-used things like:

• Nonstick cookware (like Teflon)

• Water-resistant clothing and gear

• Food packaging (e.g., fast food wrappers)

• Firefighting foam

• Cosmetics and personal care products

In fact, because of their extensive presence, we can be exposed to these chemicals every day through household products, water and food.

Why should we be concerned about PFAS?

PFAS chemicals are often referred to as ‘forever chemicals’ because they don’t break down easily, either in the environment or within the human body. In fact, some take more than a thousand years to break down, and exposure to them can lead to a number of serious health concerns due to their toxic nature.

Certain PFAS are known to accumulate in people, animals, and plants and cause toxic effects.

It's because of this that many governments and organisations in different countries are working to try and regulate and ultimately phase out these chemicals. But with more than 9,000 PFA compounds, removing these chemicals from circulation is a long-term challenge.

What do PFAS do to humans?

PFAS chemicals can build up in our bodies' tissues and cause potential health effects, including:

• Weakened immune system

• Hormonal disruption

• Increased risk of certain cancers

• Liver damage

• Thyroid disease

• Developmental issues in babies and children.

According to the European Environment Agency, those most at risk of health problems are those exposed to high concentrations of PFAS, and vulnerable population groups such as children and the elderly.

How do PFAS get into tap water?

Worryingly, more than a third of water courses in England and Wales were, when tested, found to contain medium to high levels of PFAS.

Contamination of a water supply is more likely to occur in areas with industrial facilities, airports and fire training facilities, among others, where a high concentration of PFAS is used. These PFAS leak out into the surrounding environment and water supplies, and into the water we drink.

The Environment Agency is keeping an eye on PFAS as part of its regular checks on groundwater quality. Water companies are also testing raw water sources for a variety of these chemicals.

The Drinking Water Inspectorate is working with water companies in England and Wales to better understand where PFAS are found, what types are present, and in what amounts. These chemicals may have entered the environment through past or current industrial activities, since PFAS are used in many everyday products.

It’s important to know that drinking water is just one possible way people might be exposed to PFAS—others include certain food packaging, household products, and even dust in our homes. Drinking water typically makes up only a small part of our total exposure.

Can PFAS be removed from drinking water?

Before you vow never to let a drop of tap water pass your lips ever again, there are steps you can take to minimise the amount of PFAS in your home’s water supply.

A study by researchers at the University of Birmingham found that by boiling water before you drink it or by using a water filter, you can reduce PFAS concentrations by 50 to 90%.

However, read on to find out why the type and quality of drinking water filter you use is so important.

How to remove PFAS from drinking water

Using a water filtration system is the number one action you can take to reduce PFAS in your tap water. But using any old water filter, such as a particle or sediment filter, won’t quite cut it, as these pesky particles are just so fine that they won’t be caught.

The best water filter to remove forever chemicals

The only way to filter out PFAS is to use activated carbon filters, which are effective at absorbing a range of contaminants. Here at Zip, our MicroPurity filtration combines carbon and sediment filtration into one cartridge, removing dirt, bacteria, microplastics, and contaminants, as well as up to 97% of chlorine and 99.9% of microbiological cysts.

In fact, our filters are so effective against PFAS that we have been awarded certification for removing 99.4% of PFAS, meaning our customers can enjoy peace of mind that their HydroTaps deliver clean, and safe water.

Are there forever chemicals in bottled water?

Yes, unfortunately, studies have shown that PFAS are indeed present in the majority of bottled water as well as tap water.

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) were detected in over 99% of samples of bottled water sourced from 15 countries around the world.

Researchers discovered 10 types of these chemicals in both tap and bottled water from major cities in the UK and China. Two of the most well-known and potentially harmful PFAS—PFOA and PFOS—were found in over 99% of bottled water samples tested from 15 different countries.

The best way to avoid consuming PFAS in bottled water is to fill up a reusable bottle from your HydroTap – you’ll also be reducing single-use plastic bottles!

Trust HydroTap to bring you pure-tasting water, every day

Ultimately, our HydroTaps haven’t just been designed as multi-purpose drinking water systems. Every element of functionality, including their MicroPurity filtration, has been designed to enhance your lifestyle and safeguard your wellbeing.

Find your perfect HydroTap today and feel confident that your family is drinking pure, safe water.