Clean water is essential for every home—but do you really know what’s in your tap water? Across the country, growing concern over a group of synthetic chemicals called PFAS is raising alarms, and for good reason. These so-called “forever chemicals” are nearly impossible to break down, and they’re showing up in drinking water supplies—including right here in Central Florida.
At Central Florida Water Treatment, we believe it’s vital to help you understand what PFAS are, how they affect your health, and what you can do to protect your family.
What Exactly Are PFAS?
PFAS stands for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances. These are a large group of man-made chemicals that have been used in manufacturing since the 1940s. You’ll find PFAS in thousands of everyday products including:
- Non-stick cookware (like Teflon)
- Water-resistant clothing
- Stain-resistant carpets and furniture
- Fast food wrappers and microwave popcorn bags
- Firefighting foams
- Cleaning products
PFAS are incredibly durable and resistant to heat, oil, grease, and water—which makes them useful in products, but also extremely persistent in the environment.
Here’s the big problem: they don’t break down easily. That’s why scientists refer to them as “forever chemicals.” Once they enter the environment or your body, they tend to stay there.
How Do PFAS Get Into Drinking Water?
PFAS can enter water supplies through:
- Industrial waste discharges
- Runoff from military bases and airports (where firefighting foam is used)
- Leaching from landfills or contaminated soil
- Poorly regulated wastewater systems
Once in the water supply, PFAS can travel long distances and contaminate drinking water sources, especially groundwater. Testing in many states, including Florida, has shown elevated PFAS levels in municipal systems and private wells.
Are PFAS Dangerous?
Yes—long-term exposure to PFAS has been linked to serious health issues. While research is ongoing, studies by the EPA, CDC, and independent scientists have found connections to:
- Certain cancers (kidney, testicular)
- Liver damage
- Thyroid disease
- High cholesterol
- Hormonal disruptions
- Reduced fertility
- Developmental issues in children
- Weakened immune responses (especially in children)
In short, PFAS can build up in your body over time and may interfere with critical systems—even at very low levels of exposure.
What’s the Government Doing About It?
On Wednesday, the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) under the Trump administration announced major changes to PFAS regulations. Here’s a quick summary:
- The agency will keep strict limits (4 parts per trillion) for two of the most studied PFAS: PFOA and PFOS.
- However, they are extending the compliance deadline for public water systems from 2029 to 2031.
- Four other PFAS chemicals—PFHxS, PFNA, GenX, and PFBS—were removed entirely from federal standards, citing legal process concerns.
Environmental groups strongly criticized the move, calling it a step backward for public health. The Natural Resources Defense Council estimates that over 100 million Americans are currently drinking PFAS-contaminated water—making stronger regulations more urgent than ever.
What Are Other States Doing?
Some local governments aren’t waiting for the federal government to act. A great example is Yorba Linda, California, where the local water authority built the largest ion exchange treatment facility in the U.S. to remove PFAS from drinking water.
This advanced system uses positively charged resin beads to attract and trap PFAS compounds, delivering PFAS-free water to 80,000 customers since 2021—years ahead of EPA deadlines.
Their success proves it’s possible to eliminate PFAS at scale, even if it requires investment, smart planning, and community support.
What About Home Water Filters?
If you’re wondering, “Can I remove PFAS from my home’s water?”—the answer is yes. But not just any filter will do.
Reverse Osmosis (RO) systems are among the most effective filtration methods for PFAS removal. These systems force water through a semi-permeable membrane that blocks contaminants, including PFAS, lead, arsenic, nitrates, and more.
Recent reviews of popular RO units—like the SimPure Y7P and the AquaTru Carafe—show that these systems can remove nearly 100% of PFAS, depending on design and certification. However, it’s important to check for:
- NSF/ANSI Standard 53 or 58 certification (especially for PFAS and heavy metals)
- Performance testing by third parties
- Optional remineralization cartridges (to balance water pH)
Not all RO systems are equal—some are slow, lack proper certifications, or don’t filter as thoroughly as advertised. That’s why choosing a certified, high-quality unit matters.
Does Reverse Osmosis Lower pH?
Yes, and it’s something to be aware of. Because RO systems strip away not only contaminants but also minerals like calcium and magnesium, the resulting water can be slightly acidic—usually with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5.
But don’t worry—this is completely safe to drink. In fact, coffee, orange juice, and soft drinks are far more acidic. Still, if you prefer balanced pH, many RO systems offer remineralization filters to restore essential minerals and neutralize the pH level.
What Can Central Florida Homeowners Do?
Here in Central Florida, our drinking water often comes from a mix of surface water and groundwater sources. That means quality can vary depending on your neighborhood, plumbing system, and local water authority.
Here’s how to protect your household:
- Test Your Water – Whether you use city water or a private well, get your water tested for PFAS, heavy metals, and other contaminants.
- Choose the Right Filter – Look for filters that are certified to remove PFAS and other health-threatening substances.
- Maintain Your System – Replace filters on time and follow your system’s maintenance instructions for optimal performance.
- Stay Informed – Follow updates from the EPA, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and local news about PFAS regulations.
Final Thoughts: Clean Water Starts at Home
PFAS contamination is a serious issue—but with the right knowledge and equipment, you can take control of your water quality. Whether you’re worried about these “forever chemicals,” heavy metals, or just want great-tasting water, Central Florida Water Treatment is here to help.
As your trusted local partner in clean water, we offer professional water testing, certified filtration systems, and expert guidance to make sure your family has access to safe, healthy drinking water—every day.
Contact Central Florida Water Treatment today to learn more about PFAS, reverse osmosis systems, or to schedule your free consultation.
