For homeowners concerned about drinking water quality, PFAS contamination is an issue that can’t be ignored.
PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of synthetic chemicals commonly referred to as “forever chemicals.” Once they enter the environment, PFAS break down extremely slowly, accumulating in soil, water supplies and even the human body over time. This persistence is linked to a range of potential health effects, including certain cancers, liver damage, developmental delays and hormonal disruptions.
Even low levels of PFAS in drinking water may pose risks to public health over time. That’s why choosing the right water filter is essential for reducing exposure and ensuring peace of mind.
In this guide, we’ll walk through:
- What PFAS are
- How they enter the water supply
- Which types of water filters are most effective for PFAS reduction
- How Culligan’s filtration systems are designed to deliver reliable, long-term protection for your home
What Are PFAS and Why Are They a Concern?
PFAS are a large family of man-made chemicals used in thousands of everyday products. You’ll find them in nonstick cookware, stain-resistant furniture, food packaging, water-repellent clothing and even firefighting foam. Because of their chemical structure, PFAS resist heat, oil, grease and water — making them incredibly useful and incredibly hard to eliminate.
PFAS enter the water supply through industrial waste, runoff from contaminated sites, landfill leachate and household products. Once in the environment, PFAS are highly mobile and persistent. That means they don’t degrade easily, and they can travel through groundwater into municipal water systems and private wells alike.
The health impacts are well documented. According to the National Toxicology Program (NTP), PFAS exposure is associated with a range of adverse effects, including altered liver and immune system function, reproductive issues and increased risk of some cancers.
So how can you filter PFAS from your water supply?*
The Best Water Filters for Reducing PFAS
To effectively address PFAS chemicals in your drinking water, you’ll need specialized technology designed, tested and certified for PFAS filtration.
Here are three common methods that can help:
1. Granular Activated Carbon
Granular activated carbon (GAC) is one of the most effective and widely used filtration technologies for PFAS removal. GAC filters work by adsorbing PFAS compounds — particularly long-chain variants — into the pore structure of the carbon media. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notes that the performance of a carbon filter depends on several factors, including the type of carbon used, flow rate, temperature and contact time.
Activated carbon filters are commonly used in point-of-use water treatment systems, such as under-sink water filters. They can be found in whole-house filtration systems as well. However, not all carbon filters are created equal. Pitcher filters and faucet filters may use carbon-based media, but many are not designed to remove PFAS unless they are explicitly certified for that purpose. That’s why it’s essential to verify certification from reputable bodies like NSF International, the Water Quality Association, or International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO).
GAC is often included as a component in advanced water filtration systems that address multiple contaminants. It also plays a key role in maintaining drinking water quality in systems aimed at reducing other harmful contaminants, such as chlorine byproducts and volatile organic chemicals (VOCs).
2. Ion Exchange Resins
Ion exchange resins offer another highly effective method for PFAS filtration — in particular, PFAS selective anion exchange resins (AERs). These resins are typically engineered with a positive charge that attracts and binds negatively charged PFAS molecules. Once bound, the PFAS compounds are removed from the water, resulting in cleaner water at the tap.
Often, two forms of treatment are combined for most effective PFAS reduction, as is the case with Culligan’s Whole Home PFAS Water Filter. When combining GAC filtration with PFAS-specific anion exchange resins, these systems can offer significant reduction capabilities for long-chain and short-chain PFAS.
3. Reverse Osmosis Systems
The EPA lists reverse osmosis (RO) as a leading treatment technology for PFAS. These systems work by forcing water through a semipermeable membrane that can block PFAS molecules — along with other harmful chemicals and heavy metals — from passing through. Reverse osmosis technology is often combined with GAC and is especially effective when used with a polishing carbon filter designed for PFAS reduction, providing the best reduction capabilities.
Reverse osmosis drinking water systems are ideal for under-sink installations at the tap. Most models also include sediment pre-filters and activated carbon filters as pre-treatment. When properly certified, RO systems with correct stages of filtration are able to address dozens more additional contaminants such as lead, bacteria, chlorine and more. Not all of these systems are certified for PFAS reduction, so be sure to look for a system with appropriate certifications, such as Culligan’s Aquasential® Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water System with Total Defense.
To maintain effectiveness, RO systems require periodic filter replacement and membrane maintenance. When properly managed, a NSF-ANSI certified RO system can be a powerful tool for PFAS reduction.
Which Filters Can’t Reduce PFAS?
Not all water filters are up to the task of reducing PFAS contamination. Some popular products improve WATER’S taste and odor, but don’t offer meaningful PFAS protection.
Here’s what to watch out for:
- Pitcher filters, refrigerator filters and faucet filters: Most are not certified for PFAS removal and may rely on low-grade carbon media. These are often designed to address aesthetic water issues like taste and smell, and are not effective for contaminants like PFAS.
- Basic sink and countertop filters: These systems often lack correct certifications and are not capable of reducing PFAS.
- Water softeners: These systems are designed to remove minerals that cause hardness, but are not effective against PFAS or other chemical contaminants.
- Non-certified filters: If any filter, regardless of the type, isn’t tested and certified by NSF International or the Water Quality Association for specific contaminant reduction, it isn’t a good choice to address PFAS.
If PFAS reduction is your main objective, choose a reverse osmosis or whole home filtration system with appropriate certifications for total PFAS reduction. This is the most reliable way to ensure your tap water is protected from these persistent contaminants.
Why Choose Culligan for PFAS Protection?
PFAS contamination is complex — but finding a trusted solution doesn’t have to be. Culligan offers access to certified technologies, expert water testing and customized system recommendations based on your home’s specific needs.
Every home is different, which is why our process begins with a professional water test to assess your water supply, with the option for lab-based testing to identify any PFAS contamination risks. From there, we’ll help you select the best water filtration system for your home.
Culligan’s PFAS Filtration Solutions
Culligan offers multiple services and products designed to address concerns about PFAS in drinking water, including:
- PFAS Water Testing Kit: Screen for PFAS contamination in your home’s drinking water. Your local Culligan expert can provide this low-cost testing option for 55 PFAS contaminants.
- Aquasential® Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water System with Total Defense: This system combines RO technology with advanced carbon filters to reduce PFAS and a wide range of other harmful contaminants. For maximum defense against PFAS, the Culligan® Aquasential RO with Total Defense Cartridge is certified to NSF/ANSI standard 53 for Total PFAS reduction and can reduce total PFAS by more than 99.9%.
- Whole Home PFAS Water Filter: This option is ideal for homes with elevated PFAS levels throughout their water supply, especially if using private wells that can have much higher levels than municipal supplies. These systems use a combination of granular activated carbon and PFAS specific anion resin to filter water at the point of entry, helping to reduce PFAS before it reaches all your faucets, showers or other water-using appliances.
No matter which solution you choose, you’ll get expert installation, professional support and ongoing service to keep your system performing at its best.
Get Cleaner Water and Peace of Mind
PFAS may be invisible, but the risks are not. If you’re concerned about PFAS exposure in your tap water, Culligan is here to help. With expert water testing, personalized recommendations and proven PFAS water filter solutions, we make it easy to take control of your home’s water quality.
Schedule your in-home water consultation today to learn more about how Culligan can help reduce PFAS levels and deliver safer, clean water to every room in your house.
*Contaminants may not be present in your water.
