PFAS Education & Resources
Clean Water is Critical for a Healthy Community
PFAS Contamination
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS or forever chemicals are man-made chemicals that have existed in things like food packaging, clothing, and certain non-stick pans. These forever chemicals from the products typically contaminate soil and water resources. Eventually with groundwater runoff, PFAS are able to mix with our water supply and can seep into our soil as well contaminating our groundwater resources.
As PFAS builds up in water resources, it can cause PFAS contamination resulting in these forever chemicals building up in our bodies. High levels of contamination and long term exposure could lead to 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.
Monitoring & Testing:
One of the primary ways to avoid or mitigate contact with PFAS is monitoring and testing your water supply. The Town of Nantucket, in collaboration with environmental experts from CDM Smith have worked to monitor PFAS in our island water resources. This plan was primarily built off of the 2022 Preliminary Assessment and Planning Approach Report.
The Town of Nantucket has worked to continually monitor several Town Facilities to aid in prevention of PFAS contamination and contact on Nantucket. The Town 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).
What if I am On a Private Well?:
If you are on a private well it is recommended that you test your well for PFAS once every 10 years. Private wells are not monitored 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.
Contact the Town of Nantucket Department of Health & Human Services
What if my Well Tests Positive for PFAS Contamination?:
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 pre-packaged bottled water specifically labeled for no PFAS contamination for drinking and cooking. For long-term prevention and protection against PFAS in your drinking water the Nantucket Land & Water Council recommends installing one of the filters listed below.
Prevention: Filtering PFAS from Drinking Water
PFAS has been detected in water supplies across the country, including on Nantucket. While long-term solutions require regulatory action and infrastructure upgrades, there are immediate steps individuals can take to reduce exposure at home. One of the simplest and most effective is using a certified water filter.
If you're concerned about PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in your drinking water, 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, we've outlined 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
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.
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.
Bottom Line
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.
