PFAS “Forever Chemicals”
What is PFAS?
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a family of thousands of synthetic chemicals used in nonstick cookware, waterproof fabrics, food packaging, and firefighting foam. They earn the nickname “forever chemicals” because their fluorine-carbon bonds barely break down, so they persist in the environment and accumulate in the human body.
Health effects
Research has linked PFAS exposure to increased cancer risk, thyroid disruption, elevated cholesterol, reduced immune response, and developmental effects in infants and children. In 2024 the EPA finalized the first national drinking-water limits for several PFAS compounds at just 4 parts per trillion, a signal of how seriously even tiny concentrations are now treated.
In DC-metro tap water
Regional testing, including EWG sampling across Northern Virginia and the wider DC metro, has detected PFAS in local water systems. Standard municipal treatment was never designed to remove them, so what's in the source water often reaches the tap.
How to remove it at the tap
PFAS molecules are small and chemically stable, so they slip past many filters. The two technologies proven to reduce them are high-quality activated carbon and, most effectively, reverse osmosis, whose membrane physically rejects the molecules. A multi-stage RO system like the Sanavia Hydra pairs carbon pre-filtration with an RO membrane for the broadest coverage.
Frequently asked
Are PFAS in DC-metro tap water?
Yes. PFAS have been detected across Northern Virginia, DC, and Maryland water systems in regional testing. Levels vary by utility; check your city's report for specifics.
Does reverse osmosis remove PFAS?
Reverse osmosis is independently rated as one of the most effective point-of-use methods for reducing PFAS, because the membrane rejects the molecules rather than just adsorbing them.
Do pitcher filters remove PFAS?
Most basic pitcher filters are not certified for PFAS reduction. Look for reverse osmosis or filters specifically certified to NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 for PFAS.