PFAS Education & Resources
What is PFAS?
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS or forever chemicals, are man-made chemicals that exist in many industrial, commercial and consumer products. Common products that use PFAS include food packaging, waterproof clothing, and non-stick pans.
PFAS can enter soil from a variety of sources, often through industrial chemical use such as firefighting foam.
Rainfall can carry PFAS through stormwater runoff into our aquifer which contaminates our drinking water. Exposure is also possible through consuming or using products that contain or are contaminated by PFAS. Long term exposure could lead to future health issues or conditions.
PFAS contamination is a growing concern nationwide. To
stay up to date and get the most accurate information, the Nantucket Land & Water Council recommends
looking to the
Town of Nantucket's PFAS website
for any new local information or the
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
for information at the statewide level.
Testing for PFAS
One of the primary ways to avoid or mitigate PFAS exposure is monitoring and testing your water supply. The Town of Nantucket, in collaboration with environmental experts from CDM Smith have worked to monitor Nantucket’s water resources to prevent PFAS contamination. The Town of Nantucket is currently following PFAS guidelines on the federal level from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the state level from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP).
If you are on a private well it is recommended that you test your well at least once every 10 years. Private wells are not monitored by the Town or treated by Town resources. For anyone interested in testing their well for PFAS, the Nantucket Land & Water Council recommends contacting the Town of Nantucket's Health and Human Services Department for PFAS testing resources.
If your private well has tested positive for PFAS contamination, immediately switch to another source of water for drinking and cooking.
A temporary solution for private well PFAS contamination is
switching to bottled water specifically labeled for no PFAS contamination for drinking and cooking.
Prevention: Filtering PFAS from Drinking Water
For long-term prevention and protection against PFAS, filtering your water is an easy step you can take to reduce exposure. There are effective filtration options that can significantly reduce PFAS levels in your tap water.
Below, are a few
types of filters that are known to reduce PFAS, along with the certification to look out for, to help you choose the right one for your needs and budget.
What to Look for: NSF Certification
What to Look for in a Filter: NSF Certification
When selecting a filter, the Nantucket Land & Water Council recommends using water treatment devices that are NSF certified. NSF International certification provides independent, third-party verification that a filter’s reduction claims have been validated.
Look for NSF/ANSI Standard 53 when searching for all drinking water filters
and NSF/ANSI Standard 58 for reverse osmosis systems. These standards ensure that certified filters effectively reduce PFAS to below 20 parts per trillion.
NSF-certified filters are available in many formats, including pitchers, under-sink units, and reverse osmosis systems. You can find a searchable list of certified products on the NSF International website.
Pitcher and Countertop Filters
Best for: Renters or those looking for a low-cost, easy-to-use solution.
Pitcher-style and countertop filters are convenient first lines of defense.
Many use activated carbon or ion exchange technology to reduce PFAS and other common contaminants like chlorine and lead.
While these options may not be as thorough as more complex systems, several models have been tested and certified to reduce PFAS to safe levels.
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has reviewed and recommended a number of effective pitcher and countertop options. You can explore their top picks here. (LINK)
Undersink and Reverse Osmosis Systems
Best for: Households looking for a more comprehensive, long-term solution.
Reverse osmosis (RO) systems are among the most effective tools for removing PFAS from drinking water. These systems often include several stages of filtration, starting with sediment and activated carbon filters to remove chlorine, VOCs, and other impurities. Then, water passes through a semipermeable membrane that screens out tiny particles, including PFAS, heavy metals like arsenic, and other hard-to-remove contaminants.
When it comes to RO systems to reduce PFAS, the NLWC recommends at least a 5-stage NSF-certified filtration system. Many different systems can be found online and easily installed. It is important to remember to regularly change the filters of whichever RO system you choose regularly and to dispose of used filters properly per manufacturer guidelines.
By investing in a certified filter that fits your home and budget, you can take meaningful steps to protect your household from these persistent chemicals. As always, if you have any immediate concerns about your water quality, we recommend obtaining a testing kit from the Health Department at 131 Pleasant Street.
