Among homeowners, concerns about water contaminants such as hard minerals, chlorine, and sediment are well-known. But in recent years, another has joined that list: PFAS. Often referred to as “forever chemicals,” PFAS have emerged as a serious issue for water quality and public health. In this post, we’ll explain what PFAS are, how they get into water supplies, and what steps homeowners can take to protect their households.

What Are PFAS?

PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a large family of more than 12,000 synthetic chemicals. They were first developed in the 1940s and ’50s because of their unique properties: heat resistance, water repellency, oil and stain resistance, and durability. These characteristics made PFAS highly desirable for a wide range of consumer and industrial products, including nonstick cookware (such as Teflon-coated pans), waterproof or stain-resistant fabrics, grease- or water-resistant food packaging, industrial coatings, and firefighting foams.

Because PFAS are so chemically stable — they don’t break down naturally — they persist in the environment, which is how they earned the nickname “forever chemicals.” They are particularly prone to accumulating over time in soil, groundwater, surface water, and eventually in the water that supplies homes.

How PFAS Enter Water Supplies

PFAS can enter the water supply in multiple ways. Industrial discharge, runoff from firefighting training sites or actual fires, landfill leachate, and even everyday household waste all contribute to PFAS making their way into soil and groundwater. Once they’re in the environment, PFAS can migrate far from their original source. They can reach rivers, reservoirs, underground aquifers, and, over time, municipal drinking water systems or private wells. Because they don’t degrade, PFAS contamination can become widespread and long-lasting.

Should You Be Worried?

You should be aware, though “worry” depends on your water’s PFAS levels and your long-term exposure. PFAS are known to accumulate in the human body, and some studies have linked chronic exposure with health problems, including hormone disruption, liver and kidney impacts, elevated cholesterol, thyroid issues, and other conditions.¹

Because PFAS are so persistent, even low-level contamination may build up over time, especially in homes that rely on private wells or small, less-regulated water systems. Fortunately, many municipal water utilities and state agencies now publish PFAS testing results, making it easier for homeowners to check whether their supply has been tested (and whether PFAS were found).² 

Note, not all contamination scenarios carry the same risk, which is why testing and context matter.

What You Can Do If PFAS Are Found

If testing reveals PFAS in your drinking water, all is not lost, and there are effective options for treatment. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), some of the most reliable approaches for PFAS reduction include ion-exchange resins and reverse osmosis (RO) systems. When properly installed and maintained, these systems can significantly reduce PFAS concentrations in household water.³

Ion-exchange resins use tiny beads to filter contaminated materials from water, exchanging hard mineral ions for harmless sodium ions. Reverse osmosis systems, often deployed as under-sink units or whole-home systems, push water through a semipermeable membrane that filters out a wide range of contaminants, including many PFAS compounds.

The effectiveness of any filter depends on correct maintenance and timely replacement of filter cartridges or membranes. As the EPA notes, failure to follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule can reduce or eliminate the filter’s ability to remove PFAS.³

For homeowners seeking peace of mind, a properly designed whole-home system or point-of-use filter certified for PFAS removal — like we offer at Martin Water Conditioning — is often the best option.

Taking the Next Step

With the right tools and some vigilance, you can take meaningful steps to safeguard your household water quality. If PFAS have been detected or are a concern in your area, reach out to your local water utility or environmental agency to see published test results. In the areas we serve, there have been reports of PFAS in drinking water such as Lancaster & Adams County, Pennsylvania plus parts of Maryland and New York. If PFAS are present, Martin Water Conditioning recommends a filtration system to give you the best water possible in your home.

Reducing PFAS in your water helps to lower long-term exposure to chemicals that can accumulate and may pose health risks. Protect your family’s health — contact Martin Water Conditioning today. We serve Most of Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and New York. We also serve parts of Vermont, New Jersey, West Virginia, and Virginia.

Sources

1. “PFAS in Water,” Consumer Notice, accessed on December 11, 2025.
2. “Health and Environmental Agencies of US States and Territories,” United States Environmental Protection Agency, accessed on December 11, 2025.
3. “Reducing PFAS in Your Drinking Water with a Home Filter,” United States Environmental Protection Agency, accessed on December 11, 2025.