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The WQA (Water Quality Association) describes PFAS as emerging contaminants of great concern in drinking water. In this article, we will break down four areas to help you understand PFAS contaminants.

  1. What is the definition of PFAS?
  2. Where do these contaminants come from?
  3. Why should you be concerned?
  4. What are the best mitigation/removal technologies

To get started, let’s provide a definition to help form a reference for these contaminants. PFAS would be more accurately stated as PFA’s. They are an overall category for PFOA and PFOS compounds. These are the two most common compounds being found and researched today. The American Cancer Society provides these definitions:

PFAS – lab-made chemicals known as perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (Category)
PFOA – Perfluorooctanoic Acid (Compound) –
PFOS – Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (Compound)

PFOA and PFOS are a manufactured perfluorochemical and a byproduct in producing fluoropolymers. Perfluorochemicals (PFCs) are a group of chemicals used to make fluoropolymer coatings and products that resist heat, oil, stains, grease, and water.

If you can pronounce these accurately, then your science background is well formed. From here on, we’ll try to keep this in simple terms.

After breaking down the acronyms, people often wonder what specific ways these chemicals were used. The NTP (National Toxicology Program – US Dept. of Human Health and Services) states that these chemicals were used to keep food from sticking to cookware, make stain-resistant sofas and carpets, waterproof clothing and mattresses, and may also be used in some food packaging, as well as in some fire fighting materials. Because they help reduce friction, they are also used in a variety of other industries including aerospace, automotive, building and construction, and electronics.

You probably recognize several of these types of products and may have used some of them yourself years ago. Unfortunately, these chemicals were not disposed of properly by their manufacturers decades ago and have now found their way into the groundwater supplies around our nation. These chemicals have been given the name “Forever Chemicals” because they last forever and do not break down in the environment. In some studies, they have been given a greater than 50,000 year expected life span. There is continuing research towards remediation. This research poses the questions; how do we remove PFAS out of the environment, and then how do we destroy them?

As you might think, with long-lasting chemicals in TX groundwater, there could be some health concerns. The health effects of PFAS on humans will vary depending on the research studies, but all are considered serious. 

Current peer-reviewed scientific studies have shown that exposure to certain levels of PFAS may lead to:

  • Reproductive effects such as decreased fertility or increased high blood pressure in pregnant women.
  • Developmental effects or delays in children, including low birth weight, accelerated puberty, bone variations, or behavioral changes.
  • Increased risk of some cancers, including prostate, kidney, and testicular cancers.
  • Reduced ability of the body’s immune system to fight infections, including reduced vaccine response.
  • Interference with the body’s natural hormones.
  • Increased cholesterol levels and/or risk of obesity.

On the ATSDR website (Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry), they make it a point to explain “not all of these studies involved the same groups of people, the same type of exposure, or the same PFAS.” As an emerging contaminant, the physical effects from exposure are something that need further research. 

Two technologies have been tested and recognized to remove up to 98% of PFAS from drinking water. Both the WQA and a Purdue University study identified reverse osmosis and activated carbon as reliable solutions.

A reverse osmosis system will include a membrane along with other filters in its system. The membrane is the key to the removal of most PFAS. Other filtration systems, such as shell carbon filters, microfiltration, or ultrafiltration, will not remove PFAS effectively. A reverse osmosis system purifies your water versus filtering it. The membrane is a pressure-driven technology with a small pore size that allows very few contaminants to pass through. Reverse osmosis is a single-point system usually accessed at one faucet by the kitchen sink. It is not intended for whole-home purification.

For whole-home removal, Activated Carbon is another removal solution. Activated Carbon is a little more involved because its effectiveness depends on the exposure time of water to the proper level of carbon media for effective removal. This is not a do-it-yourself project. Contact us today to provide you with the expertise for proper removal of PFAS contaminants. 

A third technology is being researched with an Ion Exchange Resin. An Ion Exchange Resin is what you will find in your water softener. However, this new resin is designed differently to remove PFAS. Hopefully, more will come from this research soon.

With all this information you may be wondering “What should I do for my water in Dallas?”

Do your research and learn as much as you can. Whether you’re on municipal water or well water, our team at VA Water LLC can help. We understand the water chemistry in Dallas Fort Worth Metropolitan Area, the proper treatment, and maintenance. Fill out the form below or call us today at (817) 310-8540.

We have engaged VA Water LLC to setup the Water Softenener... and RO in our home. Vlad and his team did an excellent job installing the water treatment system, they are very professional and committed. We highly recommend their services.read more
Bhanuprasad M.S.
Bhanuprasad M.S.
22:24 11 Jan 23
I had read the reviews prior to using VA Water. I gave them... a call and after speaking with Mr. Vlad, decided to set up installation appointment. Mr. Vlad gave us a courtesy text to inform us of his on-time arrival. Told us his basic game plan and went to work. Installation took a few hrs. The results were great. Just like the previous reviews stated. The water initially comes out cloudy, but clears up after a day or two of usage. We also got the RO under the sink for drinking water. Water tastes real good now. Thank you, VA Water, LLC!read more
Juan
Juan
17:59 02 Jul 22
The absolute best experience I've could've imagines. This... company's prices are super fair and their professionalism and work takes a backseat to no one. I called Vlad and he got me on schedule within a couple of days. The work was impeccable.read more
Can’t express how clean their work is and how professional... the crew are. Definitely call VA Water for your water filtration installation needs!read more
Prime Water Solutions
Prime Water Solutions
18:17 06 Dec 21
Outstanding service and exceptionally best water softener... professional installation. We recently relocated to Plano and Mr. Vlad (from VA Water) helped us with the water softener installation. He is very knowledgeable and he guided me with the selection of the right type of water softener system and the work was executed in a professional way with high quality and in a timely manner. Thanks to VA Water / Mr. Vlad for your good work. As a very satisfied customer, I will highly recommended their services..read more
Muthu Chezhian
Muthu Chezhian
14:52 30 Nov 21
Vlad did an amazing job installing both water softening... system and RO in our home. We had bought the machines in advance so he quoted the labor which was very reasonable compared to other quotes we’d received. He’s extremely reliable, responsive and knowledgeable. Him and his guys came, got the work done quickly and efficiently. They left the place clean and like it was before. We’re so glad we found Vlad! We highly recommend this company for all your water / plumbing needs!read more
Kaylee Yang
Kaylee Yang
19:45 27 Nov 21
We have worked with Vlad for just a few weeks but he has... done superb work with each job and have nothing but positive feedback for their customer service.read more
Marcos Valdez
Marcos Valdez
03:19 14 Jul 21
Hired this company to install a water softener, inside of a... portable shed. I had concerns that, during a bad storm it may blow over. Vlad, stated he would take care of that. The shed was secured, very satisfied with the work. Very professional and prompt.read more
K G
K G
22:25 07 Dec 20
I'm in my 4th home and I just install my 4th Culligan... reverse osmosis and water filtration system. The representative and installers were knowledgeable courteous and patient. I have tried every bottled water produced and culligan is by far the cleanest and most refreshing water to drink. I am concerned about my skin and the older I get the more I need Culligan's water filtration system to keep my skin soft and healthy.read more
Lisa Lehocky
Lisa Lehocky
04:16 04 Nov 20
Did a great job. Quick and efficient.
Tim Stine
Tim Stine
15:07 22 Oct 20
Vlad did a wonderful job with installing a water treatment... system in our home. He is very reliable, helpful, and responds quickly to calls and texts We highly recommend this company.read more
Kithara Duo
Kithara Duo
16:15 31 Aug 20
Vlad did a great job from the initial estimate to... installation. He answered all questions and gave different options that would be cost effective for our household. We had to have the water line trenched through the side yard—it went smoothly and efficiently. Communication has been very timely as well and he is available to replace filters etc when necessary. I would definitely recommend VA Water over using larger companies both in terms of cost and quality of work.read more
I recently had my water softener refurbished and installed... by VA Water. They did a great job, offered the best pricing out of the bids I received, and firmly stand behind the quality of their work. When the valves started to whine, they came out to troubleshoot the problem, and then returned later once replacement parts had been ordered and arrived. Both times required several hours of patient troubleshooting. The problem was fixed - covered by their major warranty, and left me a very happy customer. That level of support is exceedingly rare in any industry! Based on my experience, I'd recommend VA Water without reservations!read more
David Hesprich
David Hesprich
20:44 09 Nov 19
Awesome install and great servics!!Actually looks really... good in our garage 😊read more
Paul Ellis
Paul Ellis
21:58 08 Jun 19
i did so much research before getting a water softener and... filtration system from Vlad. I have not found anybody more knowledgeable than Vlad in Dallas, rest of them are just sales folks! I ended up getting the following, you can customize any way you want.1) 12 x 52 pentair tanks - 2 tanks (i for carbon and 1 for softener)2) 2 cu ft of centaur carbon3) 2 cu ft of resin4) clack WS1 valves - 2 each, both the tanks are backwashing5) pentair gro-2550 with GRO-50 membrane6) separate inline alkaline filtersSo nothing is proprietary, stayed open systems with clack! 2 cu ft of carbon and resin is overkill, if i do it again i may go with a smaller tank of 1 or 1.5 cuftVlad is the best and his customer service is top notch!read more
Shelly Varghese
Shelly Varghese
00:13 10 Jan 19
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