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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.

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Brandon and Santos showed up for the install at the...scheduled time. Brandon had a plan to minimize trenching for the water lines and were able to work around my flowers and plants.
They worked diligently and were able to complete the job in five hours.
I haven’t had a chance to experience the filtered water in the shower, laundry or cleaning yet, but the RO tap water tastes 100% better than the city water.
I would highly recommend VA Water for your full-home water filtration system. Brandon and Santos did a great job. Thank you.
Resia Goodlin
Colleyville, TX
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Resia Goodlin
Resia Goodlin
1745617937
Efficient, communicative, and my water tastes and feels...amazing! From one Vlad to another, thank you!read more
Great experience with the VA water team. Installation...professional and well done and super happy with the resultsread more
Dany de Barros
Dany de Barros
1744753960
Always professional!!!
Gary Solomon
Gary Solomon
1744740344
Fantastic service and price on a complicated install! Would...absolutely recommend!read more
Kate Coury
Kate Coury
1744049628
VA Water LLC is a great company for you water needs! Vlad...is always quick to respond to my email questions and is prompt and thorough when servicing my system. You won't be disappointed!read more
ilots mas
ilots mas
1744043328
Fantastic professional and friendly service. We called VA...Water with a "I think we need a new softener system" issue after another company told us we did. VA identified a smaller issue and was able to track down parts and make the repair pretty quickly and for a lot less than the cost of a new system. We truly appreciate the honesty, and will be sure to call them back some day when we do need a new system. Strongly recommended!read more
Blake McMullin
Blake McMullin
1743697089
Love love love my new water! Thank you VA water for being...the best. I searched for months for a water solution for my home in Roanoke and so glad I found these guys. Scott and Brandon are awesomeread more
Randy West
Randy West
1743684180
VA Water LLC did a great job installing our water softener....They were professional, arrived on time, and worked quickly. They also took the time to explain how everything works and answered all my questions. The water feels much better now! I highly recommend them for anyone needing a water softener.read more
Carlos Mesquita
Carlos Mesquita
1742432577
We called VA Water on a Friday, had an appointment with...Scott the next day, and got a brand new water softener installed on Monday morning. We first contacted our regular plumber with our hard water concerns. He charged us $300 to test and confirm what we already suspected and quoted us around $8000 for the unit and installation. VA Waters' quote was half that and they were infinitely more knowledgeable. As for the unit itself, we noticed a difference immediately. Our appliances are working better, our hair and skin feel better, and the water just tastes better. Your search is over. These guys are great. If I needed another one, I'd call them again.read more
Andy Katchinska
Andy Katchinska
1741721999
VLAD and his team at VA Water LLC always do a fantastic job...when they come out.
Not only was the installation of my filtration systems done flawlessly they also provide regular maintenance.

Outstanding customer service.

Vince Lee
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Vincent Lee
Vincent Lee
1741277418
Vlad team is excellent and their services are exceptional....I like Brandon, who completed my task.read more
True to quote, excellent work, and communicative throughout...the whole process from quote to installation.read more
David Craven
David Craven
1741029983
Great company very versatile. Had an issue of my own fault...after 5 months and they came back to fix it no charge. Initial install was smooth and simple as wellread more
Mitchell
Mitchell
1740860419
I had a water treatment system installed by another...company, Dew Point, and when I needed service, Dew Point would not answer calls, and they won't respond to messages through their website or Facebook page. I found VA Water through a search, and discovered that they service any water treatment system, regardless of who installed it.

I filled out the service request form on their website, and within 15 minutes or less, Vlad called me, and we discussed what my service needs were. I sent pictures of my system to him, and he told me what he suspected and sent me a quote for service with an hour. Once I approved and signed the service quote, we scheduled a service visit for about 6 days later.

The next morning, I received an unexpected call from Vlad, saying they had a cancellation in their schedule and he could come out to service my system this morning! He arrived on time and confirmed the issue with my system. As he was completing the work, he ran into an unexpected problem. Right away, he took care of the additional problem and had everything back together and working. My system is now operating exactly as it should be!

He even took the time to make sure I understood exactly how to program the system and what to do if we ever have an extended power failure. Even though he had to do some additional work that wasn't part of the scheduled service, he did not add additional charges to my bill.

Outstanding, professional service, and I would highly recommend if you need service on your water treatment system, or if you are considering purchasing a softener or full treatment system, be sure to give VA water a call! They have a lifetime warranty on systems they sell and install. I only wish I had found them sooner!
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Adam Wenger
Adam Wenger
1740089422
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