Forever chemicals, also known as PFAS, have been detected in drinking water systems throughout Florida and Georgia. These chemicals can remain in the environment for long periods and generally cannot be detected by taste, smell, or appearance. The good news is that homeowners can take steps to better understand their water quality and reduce potential exposure. Reviewing local water reports, considering appropriate PFAS testing, and using filtration technologies such b as reverse osmosis can help provide cleaner drinking water.
What PFAS In Drinking Water Mean For Florida and Georgia Homeowners
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often called “forever chemicals,” have become an increasingly common topic when homeowners research drinking water quality. These man-made chemicals have been used in a wide range of industrial and consumer applications and are known for their persistence in the environment.
But what does that mean for homeowners in Florida and Georgia?
PFAS have been detected in drinking water systems in both states. The Environmental Working Group’s Tap Water Database currently reports detections of PFAS compounds, including Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) and Perfluorooctyl Sulfonate (PFOS), in utilities serving communities throughout Florida and Georgia.
That doesn’t mean every home has PFAS in its water. Water quality varies by location, water source, utility, and other factors. But if you’re concerned about PFAS or other contaminants in your drinking water, understanding your local water quality and the available filtration options is a good place to start.
What Are PFAS?
PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, a large group of man-made chemicals with properties that make them resistant to heat, water, oil, and degradation.
They’ve been used in products and applications such as stain-resistant materials, nonstick products, water-resistant treatments, and certain industrial processes. They’re sometimes called “forever chemicals” because many PFAS break down very slowly in the environment.
PFAS aren’t a single chemical. They’re a large family of compounds, and different PFAS can have different characteristics and health effects.
The EPA has conducted extensive research into PFOA and PFOS, two of the most widely studied PFAS compounds. Its final 2024 toxicity assessments identified potential adverse health effects associated with exposure to these chemicals.
Are PFAS Found In Florida Drinking Water?
PFAS have been detected in drinking water systems across Florida.
According to the Environmental Working Group’s Tap Water Database, PFOS has been detected in 159 Florida utilities serving approximately 8.8 million people, while PFOA has been detected in 110 utilities serving approximately 6.9 million people in the database’s reported data.
These numbers represent reported utility testing data and doesn’t mean that every Florida homeowner has PFAS in their household water.
Water quality can vary considerably from one community to another. If you’re concerned about your specific water supply, checking your local water quality information is a useful first step.
Are PFAS Found In Georgia Drinking Water?
PFAS have also been detected in Georgia drinking water systems.
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) Tap Water Database currently reports PFOA detections among 29 Georgia utilities serving more than 1.2 million people and PFOS detections among 33 utilities serving nearly 1.2 million people in its reported data.
Again, these results shouldn’t be interpreted as meaning that every Georgia home has PFAS in its water.
They demonstrate why understanding the water quality in your specific community can be important, particularly if you’re concerned about PFAS or other contaminants.
Can You Taste or Smell PFAS?
One of the challenges with PFAS is that they generally cannot be identified simply by looking at, smelling, or tasting your water.
Clear water can still contain substances that are not visible to the naked eye.
That’s why water-quality concerns involving specific contaminants require appropriate testing rather than relying solely on how the water looks or tastes.
For homeowners who want to better understand their water, reviewing available local water-quality information and considering appropriate testing can provide useful information.
What Type of Filtration Removes Forever Chemicals?
Reverse osmosis (RA) is one of the most effective filtration methods for reducing PFAS.
Not every household water filter is designed to address PFAS.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) identifies several filtration technologies that can be effective at reducing PFAS in drinking water, including granular activated carbon, ion exchange, and reverse osmosis. EPA also recommends looking for products certified by an accredited third party for PFAS reduction.
Reverse osmosis works differently from a conventional water softener.
An RO system forces water through a semi-permeable membrane designed to separate many dissolved substances from the water. Because of its ability to reduce a broad range of contaminants, reverse osmosis is commonly used for drinking-water purification.
The Environmental Working Group also identifies reverse osmosis as one of the most effective residential filtration technologies for reducing contaminants, including PFAS.
How Does UDI's ULTRA-6 Reverse Osmosis System Work?
A five-micron sediment filter helps trap sediment and other particulate matter before the water reaches the subsequent stages.
Stage 2: Carbon filtration
A carbon block filter helps reduce chlorine, taste, and odor.
Stages 3 and 4: KDF/GAC filtration
These stages provide additional filtration and help protect the reverse osmosis membrane.
Stage 5: Reverse osmosis membrane
This is the primary RO stage. Water is forced through a semi-permeable membrane to reduce dissolved contaminants.
Stage 6: Carbon post-filtration
A final carbon filter provides additional polishing before the treated water reaches the dedicated drinking-water faucet.
UDI states that the ULTRA-6 can remove up to 99% of contaminants, including PFAS, lead, arsenic, and other unwanted substances.
Why Use Reverse Osmosis for Drinking Water?
Whole-home water treatment and drinking-water purification serve different purposes.
A water softener is designed primarily to address hardness minerals such as calcium and magnesium. It can help reduce scale and improve the performance of plumbing fixtures and appliances.
Reverse osmosis, on the other hand, is designed to provide highly filtered drinking water at the point of use.
Many homeowners choose to combine the two.
A whole-home water treatment system can address water conditions throughout the house, while an under-sink ULTRA-6 RO system can provide purified drinking water at the kitchen faucet.
UDI’s ULTRA-6 is installed under the kitchen sink and uses a dedicated faucet for treated drinking water.
What About Private Well Water?
PFAS concerns are not limited to municipal water.
Private well owners are responsible for monitoring their own water quality, and testing can be particularly important after flooding, changes in the surrounding environment, or noticeable changes in water quality.
If you use a private well and are specifically concerned about PFAS, talk with your local health department or an appropriate certified laboratory about testing options.
A basic in-home water evaluation can also help identify common characteristics of your water and determine what types of treatment may be appropriate.
Should You Be Concerned About PFAS in Your Water?
The answer depends on your home’s water source and the available information for your area.
Rather than assuming that PFAS are or are not present, start by learning more about your local water quality.
For municipal water customers, your utility’s annual water quality report can provide information about monitored contaminants. Resources such as the EWG Tap Water Database can also help homeowners research reported water-quality data for their community.
For private well owners, appropriate water testing is especially important because private wells are not monitored by public water utilities in the same way as community water systems.
If you’re concerned about PFAS, chlorine, lead, arsenic, or other contaminants in your drinking water, you don’t have to rely on bottled water or guess at which filtration system is right for your home.
UDI has been helping homeowners throughout Florida and Georgia with their water since 1979.
The ULTRA-6® Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water System provides six stages of filtration and is designed to deliver purified, better-tasting drinking water directly from your kitchen faucet.
UDI also offers a free, no-obligation in-home water test for qualified property owners. A UDI specialist can evaluate your water, review the results with you, and discuss treatment options based on your home’s needs.
Call UDI at 1-800-741-4426 to schedule your free water test and learn more about the ULTRA-6 Reverse Osmosis System.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are PFAS found in Florida drinking water?
Yes, PFAS have been detected in some Florida drinking water systems. EWG’s current database reports PFOA and PFOS detections among Florida utilities, but the presence and concentration of PFAS vary by location.
Are PFAS found in Georgia drinking water?
Yes, PFAS have been detected in some Georgia drinking water systems. EWG reports detections of PFOA and PFOS among Georgia utilities in its current database.
What type of water filter removes PFAS?
Reverse osmosis, granular activated carbon, and ion exchange are filtration technologies that can reduce PFAS. EPA recommends selecting a filter that has appropriate third-party certification for PFAS reduction.
Does reverse osmosis remove PFAS?
Reverse osmosis is an effective technology for reducing PFAS in drinking water. EPA identifies RO as one of the treatment technologies that can be effective for PFAS reduction.
Does a water softener remove PFAS?
Water softeners are designed primarily to reduce hardness minerals such as calcium and magnesium. They should not be considered a substitute for a filtration system specifically designed to reduce PFAS.
What is the ULTRA-6 Reverse Osmosis System?
The ULTRA-6 is UDI’s six-stage drinking-water filtration system. It combines sediment, carbon, KDF/GAC, reverse osmosis membrane, and post-carbon filtration to provide purified drinking water at a dedicated kitchen faucet.
How can I find out what’s in my water?
Start by reviewing your local water-quality information if you receive municipal water. If you want to understand your home’s water more closely, UDI offers a free in-home water test for qualified property owners and can discuss available treatment options based on the results.
Learn More About PFAS and Your Drinking Water
PFAS are an important water-quality topic, but understanding your specific water is more useful than making assumptions.
If you’re a homeowner in Florida or Georgia and want to learn more about your drinking water, UDI can help you understand your water and explore filtration options.
Schedule your free, no-obligation water test today by calling 1-800-741-4426.
Since 1979,UDIhas been dedicated to one thing: clean water for homeowners like you. For more than four decades, we’ve served over 75,000 families across Florida and Georgia. Our legacy isn’t built on sales; it’s built on lasting performance, dependable service and relationships with our customers and our team. Call UDI today: (800) 741-4426.
