Find out whether dangerous ‘forever chemicals' are in your water, and if they are, which filters can remove them
At least 45 percent of the nation’s tap water is estimated to have some type of PFAS, according to a study by the United States Geological Survey. That means nearly half of us might be consuming PFAS through our drinking water every day.
The good news is that under a new EPA rule, finding out if your drinking water contains PFAS will be easier than ever before. It requires public drinking water systems nationwide to test their water for several PFAS compounds and take action if levels of those chemicals rise above prescribed limits. The EPA estimates that between 6 and 10 percent of the 66,000 public drinking water systems in the U.S. will find PFAS once they start testing. Utilities have five years to comply with the new rule.
Before the new rule, PFAS testing was required in only a limited number of jurisdictions. As of 2022, at least eight states had enacted legislation requiring monitoring of PFAS in public water systems, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
Water utilities are already required to test their water for other regulated contaminants and share those results annually with the public in a consumer confidence report (CCR). You can obtain a copy of this water-quality report from your water supplier. You might also find the CCR on the water supplier’s website or by using the EPA’s search tool. If you rent, ask your landlord or building manager, or contact your utility company directly for the report.
If your water test report indicates the presence of PFAS, or if you just want some peace of mind, a home water filter can be worth considering.
Well good news for you! Unveiling May 1st, the North Star Reverse Osmosis System is the ultimate solution for cutting-edge contaminant reduction for fresher, better-tasting water in your refrigerator and kitchen sink. The National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) certification guarantees top-notch quality and the eradication of pollutants like PFAS, ensuring outstanding performance. Take action now for cleaner, safer drinking water!
Blog written by Keith Flamer and sourced from Consumer Reports.