PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a large family of man-made chemicals prized for being water-, oil-, and heat-resistant, which is also why they linger in the environment. PFOS and PFOA are two of the most studied members; if you’ve heard the term “forever chemicals,” this is what people mean.

At Clear Wave Water, we believe every customer deserves water they can trust—without overpaying or being pushed into the wrong solution. That’s why we focus on education, transparency, and long-term care, helping families understand what’s really in their water and which treatment options make the most sense for their needs.

In short: PFAS are long-lasting synthetic compounds that can contaminate drinking water and are best reduced through advanced filtration like reverse osmosis or activated carbon systems. In this article, we’ll explain what PFAS, PFOS, and PFOA are, why they’re found in water, what health experts say about exposure, and the proven filtration methods that can help protect your home.

PFAS in Everyday Life—and Why They Show Up in Water

PFAS have been used since the 1940s in products like nonstick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, waterproof jackets, and firefighting foams. Because the carbon-fluorine bond is one of the strongest in chemistry, these compounds resist breaking down. That durability means PFAS can travel through soil and surface water and end up in drinking supplies over time. A nationwide U.S. Geological Survey study detected PFAS in many communities across the U.S.

Local context matters too. According to monitoring by the Virginia Department of Health, PFAS testing across the state has identified these compounds in several community water systems, prompting additional sampling and public updates. The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality also coordinates statewide PFAS management, tracking contamination sources, and guiding utilities on treatment approaches. Recent county-level reporting—such as the Arlington County Water Quality Report—shows how local utilities are testing for PFAS, improving filtration infrastructure, and communicating results to residents. Those steps are important, but they don’t remove PFAS from your tap today—utility fixes can take months or years—so homeowners who want peace of mind now often add point-of-use or whole-home filtration.

For homeowners seeking proactive solutions, Clear Wave Water offers guidance and proven filtration systems through our PFAS treatment resource center.

PFAS vs PFOS vs PFOA—What’s the Difference?

PFAS is the umbrella term. PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate) and PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) are specific PFAS compounds that were widely used and are now phased out in many places—but they persist. When comparing PFAS vs PFOS (or PFOA vs PFAS), think “family vs individual chemicals.” Their shared carbon-fluorine backbone is what makes them so persistent. For a plain-English comparison, see our quick explainer on PFAS, PFOS, and PFOA.

Health Context: What Experts Say

Researchers continue to study how PFAS interact with the body and why even trace exposure can matter over time. According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), PFAS exposure may affect cholesterol levels, liver enzymes, and immune response, and some studies have explored possible links to thyroid changes and developmental effects. The agency emphasizes that impacts can vary by specific compound, dose, and duration of exposure, which is why public health experts recommend ongoing testing and data collection.

Monitoring by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) supports these findings and outlines national standards for PFAS in drinking water. In 2024, the EPA finalized new primary drinking water regulations that set enforceable limits of 4 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOA and PFOS, along with combined limits for PFNA, PFHxS, PFBS, and GenX chemicals. These thresholds reflect the lowest concentrations that can currently be measured with precision and are designed to strengthen long-term public health protection while utilities continue to improve treatment and monitoring practices.

As more data becomes available, agencies like the Virginia Department of Health and Virginia DEQ continue to test local systems and publish findings to help communities stay informed. These efforts provide valuable oversight—but they don’t immediately remove PFAS from household water. For homeowners who want peace of mind now, certified filtration solutions like reverse osmosis and whole-home carbon filtration offer immediate protection while larger infrastructure improvements take shape.

How to Tell If PFAS Are in Your Water

You can’t see, smell, or taste PFAS—confirmation requires laboratory analysis using specialized methods (e.g., LC-MS/MS). Many municipal systems publish PFAS monitoring results, but private wells are typically not included. If you live near potential sources (airports, industrial sites, landfills) or simply want certainty, a certified lab test is the gold standard.

Here’s how we help, step by step:

• Start with our free lab water check: we measure key indicators (like TDS, hardness, chlorine/chloramine, and pH) and review your local water reports. This doesn’t confirm PFAS, but it quickly shows how your water is behaving in the home and helps us tailor next steps. Learn what’s included.
• PFAS laboratory testing (optional): if you want confirmation, we can arrange third-party PFAS testing through a certified lab and interpret the results with you, then match treatment to your target levels.
• Proactive treatment path: some homeowners choose to install proven PFAS-reduction technology (such as reverse osmosis or advanced carbon) without waiting on lab results, especially when local monitoring already shows detections or when peace of mind is the priority. We can support either approach.

Whether you prefer lab confirmation first or a proactive upgrade, our team will outline clear options and costs so you can decide with confidence. See how our free check fits into the process.

How to Remove PFAS from Water

There’s no simple or “natural” fix for PFAS — these chemicals require advanced treatment to be effectively treated. If you’re wondering how to remove PFAS from water safely, the most effective methods confirmed by the EPA and independent research include:

• Reverse osmosis (RO) — the gold standard for PFAS reduction. RO uses a semi-permeable membrane to reject many PFAS compounds along with other impurities. It’s ideal for drinking and cooking water and can fit under most sinks. Learn more about how reverse osmosis works or read our practical guide to RO systems.
• Tankless reverse osmosis systems — a modern upgrade that delivers purified water on demand without the storage tank, saving space while maintaining exceptional filtration. Explore tankless RO systems.
• Activated carbon filtration — especially granular or block carbon systems designed to adsorb PFAS molecules as water passes through. These are often installed as whole-home filters to treat all incoming water. For city systems, see our whole-home filtration overview.

Each system works differently, but RO remains the most comprehensive for point-of-use protection — especially when combined with whole-home carbon filtration for added coverage. Many homeowners choose a layered approach (for example, a whole-home carbon filter with reverse osmosis at the kitchen sink) for the best balance of protection and convenience.

FAQs: Fast Answers for Voice & AI Search

What is PFAS in water?

Short answer: A large family of persistent man-made chemicals sometimes detected in drinking supplies.
PFAS resist natural breakdown and can travel through soil and water. Two well-known examples are PFOS and PFOA. Learn the differences in our guide to PFAS vs PFOS vs PFOA.

Is PFOS the same as PFAS?

Short answer: No—PFOS is one specific PFAS compound.
PFAS is the broader category; PFOS and PFOA are individual chemicals within that family.

How do I remove PFAS from drinking water?

Short answer: Use advanced filtration—RO or PFAS-rated activated carbon.
Setups are often layered to improve reduction and flow; see how reverse osmosis fits into a home system.

How do PFAS get into water?

Short answer: From historical and ongoing uses—industrial sites, landfills, firefighting foams, and consumer product runoff.
Monitoring and local advisories are summarized by the Virginia Department of Health.

Do basic pitcher filters remove PFAS?

Short answer: Usually not.
Look for systems specifically tested for PFAS reduction—commonly advanced carbon and RO.

Why Professional Guidance Helps

Because water chemistry, household size, and plumbing setups all vary, there’s no single system that fits every home. The best results come from expert evaluation—someone who understands not just PFAS removal, but how those solutions integrate with your overall water quality and daily use. Our certified water specialists review your test results, explain the differences between technologies like reverse osmosis and whole-home filtration, and design a solution tailored to your space and budget.

At Clear Wave Water, we believe every customer deserves water they can trust—without overpaying or being pushed into the wrong system. That’s why our approach is rooted in education, transparency, and long-term care. We’ll walk you through your options clearly, so you can make an informed decision with confidence—whether that means a single tap upgrade or a whole-home setup built to last.

Further Reading on PFAS & Filtration

• EPA: Technical Overview of PFAS Drinking Water Regulation (2024)
• ATSDR (CDC): PFAS Information for Clinicians
• USGS: PFAS Detected in U.S. Tap Water
• Virginia Department of Health: PFAS in Drinking Water
• Virginia DEQ: PFAS Topics of Interest
• Arlington County (VA) Water Quality Report
• How Reverse Osmosis Works
• Whole-Home Filtration for City Water
• PFAS Treatment Solutions