Diagnostic
PFAS, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly called "forever chemicals", have been detected in drinking water systems across Southern California. These synthetic chemicals do not break down in the environment or in the human body. A growing body of research links long-term PFAS exposure to certain cancers, thyroid disease, immune disruption, and developmental effects in children.
What Are PFAS and Why Are They Everywhere?
PFAS is a class of more than 12,000 synthetic chemicals characterized by extremely stable carbon-fluorine bonds. They were developed in the 1940s and used in non-stick cookware, food packaging, stain-resistant fabrics, and critically, aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) used at airports and military bases. PFAS enter groundwater from industrial sites, military base runoff, and landfill leaching. Once in the environment, they persist indefinitely.
PFAS in Southern California: What the Data Shows
The Environmental Working Group's Tap Water Database documents widespread PFAS detection across the region. The San Gabriel Valley groundwater basin, contaminated by decades of aerospace and industrial manufacturing, has forced multiple water agencies to take wells offline. The Inland Empire has contamination tied to March Air Reserve Base. Areas near LAX, Van Nuys Airport, and Point Mugu face elevated PFAS risk from historical AFFF use. MWD imported water has lower but detectable PFAS levels. To check your specific utility: ewg.org/tapwater.
The Health Science
PFOA has been classified as a possible human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Studies of communities with high PFAS exposure show elevated rates of kidney and testicular cancer. PFAS interfere with thyroid hormone metabolism. Research in Environmental Health Perspectives found that children with higher prenatal PFAS exposure had significantly reduced vaccine antibody responses. PFAS cross the placenta and are present in breast milk. The National Toxicology Program classifies PFOA and PFOS as presumed immune hazards to humans.
The 2024 EPA PFAS Standards
In April 2024, the EPA finalized the first-ever federal maximum contaminant levels for PFAS: PFOA and PFOS at 4 parts per trillion, the strictest standard ever set for any drinking water contaminant in the United States. Water utilities must comply by 2029. Many Southern California utilities are still evaluating treatment investments to meet these levels.
Why Reverse Osmosis Is the Only Effective PFAS Treatment
NSF/ANSI 58-certified reverse osmosis removes PFOA, PFOS, and other PFAS compounds at 90 to 99% efficiency. The RO membrane's 0.0001-micron pore size physically blocks PFAS molecules. Standard activated carbon pitcher filters (Brita, PUR) are NOT certified for PFAS removal and should not be relied on. Water softeners do not remove PFAS. Boiling water does not remove PFAS, it may concentrate them slightly. RO at the kitchen tap is the practical, cost-effective solution for drinking and cooking water protection.
What To Do Now
Look up your utility in the EWG Tap Water Database. Schedule a free water test with Water₂O that includes PFAS analysis. Install an NSF/ANSI 58-certified reverse osmosis system at your kitchen tap. Water₂O's certified RO systems remove PFAS well below the EPA's 4 ppt limit, are backed by our 12-year warranty, and include optional annual filter service. Call (410) 262-9888 or schedule online.
