Consumers are increasingly concerned about per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water, including sparkling water. Many individuals seek clear information to make informed decisions about the beverages they consume, prioritizing options that minimize exposure to these substances.
Understanding PFAS
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS, constitute a large group of human-made chemicals. These compounds have been utilized since the 1940s in various industrial and consumer applications due to their resistance to heat, oil, stains, grease, and water. They are often referred to as “forever chemicals” because their strong carbon-fluorine bonds make them highly persistent, meaning they do not break down easily in the environment or the human body. While specific health impacts vary among the thousands of PFAS compounds, their widespread occurrence and bioaccumulative nature have led to broad health considerations.
How PFAS Enter Sparkling Water
PFAS can enter sparkling water through several pathways, primarily stemming from their pervasive presence in the environment. One significant route is through contaminated source water, as PFAS have leached into rivers, lakes, and groundwater from industrial discharges, firefighting foams, and runoff from consumer products. Even if a water source appears clean, PFAS can travel through soil and water systems, reaching treatment plants that may not be equipped to remove them effectively. Additionally, some manufacturing processes or packaging materials might contribute to PFAS contamination in bottled beverages. PFAS used in machine parts or food contact materials can potentially migrate into the water during production, adding another layer of complexity to the issue.
Sparkling Water Brands Without PFAS
Several sparkling water brands have demonstrated very low or non-detectable levels of PFAS in independent testing, offering consumers options to consider. Mountain Valley Spring Water consistently reports non-detectable levels of PFAS, sourcing its water from the Ouachita Mountains. Sound and Nixie are other brands that achieve non-detectable PFAS levels by utilizing reverse osmosis filtration in their water purification processes. Aura Bora also uses reverse osmosis water, contributing to its PFAS-free status. Sparkling Ice has also been noted for having non-detectable PFAS in some tests.
Other brands show very low, though detectable, levels of PFAS, typically below 1 part per trillion (ppt), which is significantly lower than many other tested products. Spindrift, known for using real fruit juice, has reported levels around 0.19 ppt. San Pellegrino, an Italian mineral water brand, typically shows PFAS levels around 0.31 ppt. Dasani sparkling water has been found with approximately 0.37 ppt of PFAS, while Schweppes sparkling water has reported levels around 0.58 ppt.
Making Informed Choices for PFAS-Free Water
Consumers seeking PFAS-free sparkling water can employ several strategies to make informed choices beyond relying on specific brand lists. One approach involves looking for brands that transparently share their water testing results or provide information about their filtration methods. Some companies use advanced filtration techniques, such as reverse osmosis or activated carbon, which are effective at removing PFAS from water.
Another strategy is to consider third-party certifications for water filters or bottled water. For instance, home water filters certified under NSF/ANSI 53 or NSF/ANSI 58 specifically indicate their ability to reduce PFAS. If making sparkling water at home, using a certified filter can help ensure the base water is free of PFAS. Understanding the source of the water and inquiring about its purity can also guide purchasing decisions, as contamination levels can vary geographically.