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PFAS in Drinking Water

Study finds harmful “forever chemicals” in almost half of U.S. tap water.
Industrial smokestacks producing smoke
What are PFAS?
PFAS (formerly PFOS and PFOA) stands for Per - and Polyfluorinated substances. These are known as “forever chemicals” because they resist heat, water, and grease. Some PFAS have been phased out of production. However, there is still PFAS found in many everyday consumer products like shampoo, makeup, non-stick cookware, fast food packaging, clothing, carpeting and more.
PFAS are widespread across the US. According to the Environmental Working Group, some areas have a higher PFAS concentration than others. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set the limit for PFAS in public drinking water systems at 4 parts per trillion (ppt). This legally enforceable drinking water standard will protect approximately 100 million people from six specific PFAS.
PFAS contamination of drinking water usually occurs locally, near a facility where PFAS or products using them are manufactured, as well as around airfields where these chemicals are used to extinguish fires. Known sources of PFAS contamination in Dane County include Truax Field Air National Guard Base and Regional Airport, Starkweather Creek and the Yahara Chain of Lakes.
What are the health effects of PFAS found in water?
PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) and PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonic acid) can be found in water. These chemicals do not break down and stay in the environment, which can build up in soil and contaminate ground and surface water. Long-term exposure can also cause build-up in your blood, kidneys and liver, leading to significant health issues, such as:
  • Developmental effects*
  • Liver damage
  • Reproductive issues
  • Thyroid imbalance
  • Immune system deficiencies
  • Some cancers
*These health effects are especially dangerous for pregnant women and infants.
Public water systems must notify customers if there are high levels of PFAS in their drinking water. Consumers can contact their local water supplier to ask for information on PFOA and PFOS in their drinking water and request a copy of the Consumer Confidence Report.
Young boy drinking a water bottle on soccer field
Person filling water bottle at kitchen drinking water system
PFAS Solutions from Culligan
Reverse osmosis systems and filters containing carbon can reduce PFAS chemicals in your drinking water. Culligan currently offers an affordable water treatment solution, our Aquasential® Smart Reverse Osmosis Water System with our Total Defense cartridge. It can reduce PFOS and PFOA by 95.4% at levels up to 1,500 ppt. It also reduces over 70 other contaminants, such as lead, nitrates, and pharmaceuticals. Your current Culligan system can be retrofitted to accommodate the new equipment to eliminate PFAS. We work with third-party organizations to certify our filtration products meet industry requirements (NSF/ASNI standards) set by the WQA.
Culligan’s Bottled Water delivery also ensures safe drinking water for you and your family. Culligan's bottled water is tested regularly to meet or exceed EPA standards. We are also members of the Water Quality Association (WQA) and International Bottled Water Association (IBWA), ensuring high quality and safety for consumers.

Worried about your water?

Culligan now offers a low-cost at-home PFAS test kit.

This test identifies 55 different PFAS compounds, with results in as little as ten days.