Introduction: The Growing Concern of PFAS in Drinking Water
PFAS in drinking water has emerged as a critical environmental and public health issue of our time. These “forever chemicals” are present in water supplies, resist natural degradation, and posing serious health risks, including cancer, immune system dysfunction, and developmental issues.
At ResolveMass Laboratories Inc., we specialize in advanced PFAS testing in drinking water, assisting municipalities, regulators, and private well owners identify and mitigate contamination. With modernized analytical techniques and years of expertise, we offer accurate, reliable, and regulatory-compliant testing services.
What Are PFAS and Why Are They in Drinking Water?
1. Understanding PFAS Chemicals
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are artificials chemicals used since the 1940s in:
- Non-stick cookware (Teflon®)
- Waterproof fabrics
- Firefighting foams (AFFF)
- Food packaging
Their strong carbon-fluorine bonds make them highly resistant to heat, water, and oil—but also nearly indestructible in the environment.
2. How Does PFAS Get Into Drinking Water?
- Industrial discharges (manufacturing plants, airports)
- Firefighting foam runoff (military bases, training sites)
- Landfill leaching
- Wastewater treatment plant effluents
Health Risks of PFAS in Drinking Water
1. Known Health Effects
- Various Cancer (kidney, testicular)
- Liver damage
- Thyroid disease
- Reduced efficacy of vaccines
- Delayed developments in children
2. Long-Term Exposure Concerns
- Bioaccumulation (PFAS builds up in the body over time)
- No safe threshold (even low levels may pose risks)
- Persistence (can take decades to break down)
Regulatory Standards for PFAS in Drinking Water
1. U.S. EPA Regulations
- 2024 PFAS National Drinking Water Standard:
- 4 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOA & PFOS
- 10 ppt for GenX & other PFAS compounds
2. Health Canada Guidelines
- 30 ppt for total PFAS in drinking water (interim standard)
3. European Union Limits
- 100 ng/L (ppt) for a group of 20 PFAS
How Is PFAS in Drinking Water Tested?
1. Advanced Testing Methods at ResolveMass Labs
We deploy cutting-edge techniques to measure ultra-trace levels:
✔ LC-MS/MS (Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry) – Gold standard for PFAS detection
✔ EPA Methods 537.1 & 533 – Regulatory-Adherence testing
✔ High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS) – Enables identification of undiscovered PFAS compounds
2. Sampling Best Practices
- Use certified PFAS-free bottles
- Avoid contamination (no Teflon-lined caps)
- Chain-of-custody documentation
Learn more about our PFAS testing services →
Real-World Case Study: Solving PFAS Contamination in a Municipal Water System
The Problem
A Midwestern town detected PFAS concentrations at 15 ppt (above EPA limits) in their water. Residents reported health concerns, and the city faced potential legal action.
Our Investigation
- Comprehensive Water Testing – Confirmed elevated levels of PFOA & PFOS .
- Source Tracking – Traced to nearby industrial site
- Remediation Plan – Installed granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration.
The Results
✔ PFAS levels reduced to <2 ppt (below EPA limits)
✔ Public health concerns addressed
✔ Long term monitoring implemented
How to Protect Your Drinking Water from These Harmful Substances
1. Test Your Water
- Municipal water users: Request annual PFAS reports
- Private well owners: Get professional PFAS testing
2. Effective PFAS Removal Methods
✔ Activated Carbon Filters
✔ Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems
✔ Ion Exchange Resins
3. Advocate for Stronger Regulations
- Demand more rigorous PFAS standards
- Push for polluter accountability
10 Most Asked FAQs
1. How do I know if my water has PFAS?
Professional testing in drinking water is the only reliable method. ResolveMass Labs offers EPA-compliant analysis.
2. What’s the safe level of PFAS in drinking water?
The EPA recommends <4 ppt for PFOA/PFOS. Some states enforce stricter limits.
3. Can boiling water remove PFAS?
No—They are heat-stable. Only advanced filtration (RO, GAC) works.
4. How long do PFAS stay in the body?
Many compounds have half-lives ranging from 2 to 8 years, meaning they can accumulate in tissues over extended periods.
5. Are water filters effective against PFAS?
Certified filters (NSF/ANSI 53 or 58) can reduce PFAS. Ask our experts for recommendations.
6. Who is most at risk from PFAS exposure?
- Pregnant women & children
- Communities near industrial sites
- Firefighters & military personnel
7. Does bottled water contain PFAS?
In some cases, yes. Always review third-party testing data from reputable sources before choosing a brand.
8. How much does PFAS water testing cost?
Prices vary by analysis depth. Contact us for a quote.
9. What’s being done to regulate these substances?
The EPA is implementing stricter limits, but progress is slow.
10. Where can I get my water tested ?
ResolveMass Laboratories provides accurate, certified testing.
Conclusion: Why PFAS Testing in Drinking Water Is Essential
The threat of PFAS in drinking water is real—but with proper testing and filtration, risks can be managed. At ResolveMass Laboratories Inc., we combine scientific expertise, advanced technology, and regulatory knowledge to deliver trusted PFAS analysis.
Don’t wait for a crisis—proactively test your water today.
→ Schedule PFAS Testing
→ Contact Our Team
ResolveMass Laboratories Inc.: Experience, Expertise, and Trust You Can Count On
ResolveMass Laboratories Inc. is a leading name in nitrosamine testing across the United States and Canada. With over a decade of experience, our PhD-level scientists specialize in Mass Spectrometry and nitrosamine impurity chemistry. We offer complete in-house solutions, including risk assessment, confirmatory analysis, regulatory documentation, and expert consultation. As one of the few Canadian CROs, we also provide custom synthesis of rare nitrosamine impurities unavailable elsewhere. Our commitment to advanced technology and regulatory compliance ensures accurate results and trusted partnerships. Choose ResolveMass Laboratories for precise and transparent nitrosamine testing services.
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📞 Request a quote for method development
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References
- Illinois Department of Public Health. (n.d.). PFAS in drinking water. https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/environmental-health-protection/private-water/fact-sheets/pfas-drinking-water.html
- Zahra, Z., Song, M., Habib, Z., & Ikram, S. (2025). Advances in per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) detection and removal techniques from drinking water, their limitations, and future outlooks. Emerging Contaminants, 11(1), 100434. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.emcon.2024.100434
