Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a family of synthetic compounds used in thousands of consumer and industrial products since the 1940s. These chemicals are highly valued for their resistance to heat, oil, grease, and water, but this stability means they do not break down in the environment. Because these persistent contaminants, often called “forever chemicals,” have been detected in drinking water sources across the country, consumers are rightly concerned about the safety of both tap and bottled water. The search for bottled water without PFAS requires understanding how the water is sourced and processed.
What Are PFAS and Why Are They a Concern
PFAS are a large group of man-made chemicals sharing a strong carbon-fluorine bond, making them extremely resistant to natural degradation. The two most studied compounds, PFOA and PFOS, were phased out of production in the United States, but thousands of related chemicals remain in use and persist in the environment. This chemical stability has earned them the nickname “forever chemicals,” as they accumulate in soil, water, and the human body over long periods.
PFAS enter the water supply through industrial discharge, runoff from firefighting foam sites, and leachate from landfills containing consumer products. Conventional wastewater treatment plants are not designed to remove PFAS, allowing these chemicals to pass through the system and be released into surface water and groundwater sources. Exposure to PFAS has been linked to a range of potential health issues, including effects on the immune system, developmental problems in children, and an increased risk of certain cancers. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued health advisories for PFOA and PFOS, indicating that even near-zero levels pose a concern over a lifetime of exposure.
Identifying Bottled Water Sources Least Likely to Contain PFAS
Bottled water comes from two primary sources: natural sources (springs and aquifers) or municipal sources that are then purified. The risk of PFAS contamination varies significantly between these types. Natural sources, such as spring and mineral water, draw from underground aquifers vulnerable to contamination from industrial runoff or groundwater flow. If the source area is contaminated, the water will likely contain PFAS, similar to well tap water.
Purified water often starts as tap water or groundwater that undergoes intensive treatment before bottling. This purification typically includes highly effective methods for removing PFAS, such as reverse osmosis (RO) or distillation. Studies have consistently shown that purified bottled water tends to have lower levels of PFAS compared to water sourced directly from springs or natural mineral sources. The safety of the bottled water is thus more dependent on the purification technology used by the bottling company than the original source.
RO forces water through a semi-permeable membrane with microscopic pores, effectively blocking nearly all PFAS molecules. While all bottled water is subject to quality standards, water that clearly labels itself as purified and treated using RO provides a more reliable indicator of low or non-detectable PFAS levels than naturally sourced water. The risk profile for spring and mineral water remains tied to the environmental quality of the specific aquifer, which is difficult for the consumer to assess.
Selecting Brands Based on Testing Transparency
Because PFAS contamination is possible in both natural and municipal sources, selecting a safer bottled water brand requires prioritizing transparency and treatment methods. Consumers should seek out brands that voluntarily test their water for PFAS and publish the results, as this commitment goes beyond regulatory minimums. The lack of a universal federal standard for bottled water PFAS levels makes a brand’s willingness to disclose testing data the best measure of diligence.
Look for companies that provide recent, comprehensive water quality reports on their website, detailing levels of various contaminants, including PFAS compounds. Brands that have achieved third-party certification, such as those that meet NSF International standards for contaminant reduction, offer an additional layer of assurance. These certifications confirm the water has been treated to meet stringent quality requirements set by independent organizations. Specifically, seek bottled water that confirms the use of reverse osmosis (RO) or a similar high-pressure membrane filtration system. This treatment method is recognized as one of the most effective technologies for removing these persistent chemicals from water. By focusing on brands that are transparent about their purification methods and testing results, consumers can make informed choices based on quantifiable data rather than marketing claims.
Home Filtration and Alternative Solutions
For a long-term solution to minimize PFAS exposure, certified home filtration systems offer a consistent alternative to relying solely on bottled water. The two most effective technologies for removing PFAS from tap water are granular activated carbon (GAC) filters and reverse osmosis (RO) systems. GAC filters work by adsorption, where chemicals stick to the porous carbon material as water passes through. They are highly effective when properly installed and maintained.
RO systems, typically installed under the sink, provide the highest level of removal, consistently achieving 90% to 99% reduction of many PFAS compounds. When purchasing a home filtration system, it is advisable to look for products certified to standards like NSF/ANSI 53 or NSF/ANSI 58, which specifically address the reduction of contaminants, including PFAS. Additionally, all consumers can access their local municipal water quality reports, often called Consumer Confidence Reports, which are legally required to test for and report on contaminants in the public water supply. Reviewing these reports helps determine the baseline quality of the tap water, allowing for a more targeted approach to home filtration and overall exposure reduction.