PFAS are synthetic chemicals increasingly being detected in water systems across Connecticut and throughout the United States. Learn what PFAS are, why they matter, and how professional water testing and treatment solutions can help homeowners better understand their water quality.
PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) are a group of synthetic chemicals
commonly referred to as “forever chemicals” because they break down extremely
slowly and can remain in water supplies — and the human body — for years.
Over time, PFAS contamination has spread into groundwater and municipal
water systems across the United States, including Connecticut.
PFAS are receiving increasing attention because of growing research surrounding
long-term exposure and potential health concerns.
The EPA has significantly lowered what it considers acceptable levels of certain
PFAS compounds in drinking water.
The EPA lowered these limits because newer research suggests health effects may
occur at much lower concentrations than previously believed.
Research into PFAS exposure is ongoing, but studies have linked long-term
exposure to certain PFAS compounds with potential health concerns including:
Municipal water systems throughout Connecticut are now undergoing expanded
PFAS testing.
While many systems remain within compliance requirements, PFAS detections are
still being found in some public water supplies — commonly in the approximate
range of:
That means some water supplies may contain PFAS levels above or near what the
EPA now considers it acceptable for long-term exposure.
Even if water is technically considered “compliant,” many homeowners are still
choosing to reduce exposure because:
The EPA finalized new federal PFAS regulations requiring public water systems to:
Many utilities across the country are still determining how they will meet the
newer standards.
Municipal water is regulated and treated, but that does not necessarily mean it is
free of PFAS or other emerging contaminants.
Because comprehensive PFAS testing can be expensive — especially when testing
for multiple compounds — many Connecticut homeowners on city water choose to
proactively install treatment systems instead of repeatedly paying for specialized
laboratory testing.
In addition to PFAS concerns, many homeowners also choose treatment systems
to address:
Private wells are not regulated by the EPA and are not routinely monitored.
Unlike municipal systems, private well owners are responsible for their own water
quality testing and treatment.
Treatment options may include: