Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have increasingly become a hot topic in water quality discussions, especially as new health advisories and regulations emerge in 2025. Known as "forever chemicals" due to their persistence in the environment, PFAS are linked to a range of health concerns and are notoriously tough to remove from drinking water. If you're looking to protect your family and improve your water wellness, understanding how to remove PFAS from drinking water is more important than ever.
Why Are PFAS in Our Drinking Water?
PFAS are synthetic chemicals found in thousands of products—everything from non-stick cookware to firefighting foam. Because they don't easily break down, they can persist in groundwater, rivers, lakes, and even municipal water supplies for decades. In recent years, water utilities across the U.S., including right here in Arizona, have detected PFAS contamination in both public and private wells. Exposure to PFAS is associated with adverse health effects such as immune suppression, hormonal disruption, increased cholesterol, and even cancer.
Current EPA Guidelines and the 2025 Update
In 2025, the EPA has set even stricter standards for PFAS in drinking water, lowering the acceptable levels and urging both municipalities and homeowners to take action. This makes it crucial for families to explore effective methods for removing PFAS and keeping their water supply safe.
How to Remove PFAS from Drinking Water
While there is no one-size-fits-all method, several proven technologies stand out:
- Activated Carbon Filtration: Granular or catalytic activated carbon is highly effective at adsorbing many PFAS compounds. It’s one of the most widely used methods in both municipal and home water systems.
- Reverse Osmosis (RO): RO systems can remove a wide range of contaminants, including many PFAS, by forcing water through a semi-permeable membrane. However, these systems can waste water and often strip out beneficial minerals.
- Anion Exchange Resins: These specialized resins can target and remove certain PFAS, but are more commonly used in industrial applications.
- Proprietary Multi-Stage Systems: Some modern systems combine several of these technologies for comprehensive protection.
What Doesn’t Work?
Unfortunately, standard pitcher filters, boiling, or simple sediment filters do not remove PFAS from drinking water. Only advanced filtration systems specifically tested for PFAS reduction will reliably improve your water safety.
Real-World Results: PFAS Removal in Arizona Homes
Recent independent lab tests in Arizona have shown that advanced under-sink and whole-house filtration systems can achieve dramatic PFAS reductions—well over 99% for most compounds present in untreated water. For example, perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), two of the most common and concerning PFAS, were reduced below detectable limits after treatment with high-quality filtration systems.
How to Choose the Right PFAS Removal System
When selecting a home system, consider:
- Certified Lab Testing: Look for systems with independently verified results for PFAS removal, not just marketing claims.
- Comprehensive Filtration: Multi-stage systems that combine carbon filtration with additional proprietary media tend to deliver the best results.
- Environmental Impact: Some systems provide zero-waste operation and retain healthy minerals, unlike traditional RO systems.
- Ease of Installation and Maintenance: User-friendly systems offer quick installation and infrequent filter changes, making it easy to keep your water clean year-round.
The SentryH2O Approach to PFAS Removal
As a family-owned Arizona company, we’re deeply invested in the health and safety of our communities. Our under-sink Sentry Wellness System and Whole House Wellness System are engineered specifically to remove PFAS and other harmful toxins. Our systems utilize a proprietary multi-stage process that includes:
- Magnesium-Coated Catalytic Carbon: This advanced filter stage is proven to remove PFAS, PFOS, PFOA, and pharmaceutical VOCs, while also adding beneficial minerals back into your water.
- Trappsorb Media: Captures additional toxins and boosts pH and alkalinity for optimal water wellness.
Independent lab reports show our systems achieve more than 99% reduction of major PFAS compounds in Arizona tap water. Plus, with a compact design and 15-minute installation, improving your water quality has never been easier or more accessible for families, renters, and homeowners alike.
Staying Ahead of Water Wellness Trends in 2025
As awareness of PFAS and other water contaminants continues to rise in 2025, the demand for truly effective solutions is at an all-time high. Don’t settle for outdated pitcher filters or wasteful RO units—choose a system that’s proven, environmentally conscious, and designed for the realities of modern living.
Take Action: Protecting Your Family from PFAS
Clean, safe water is a cornerstone of wellness. By learning how to remove PFAS from drinking water and investing in a tested, multi-stage filtration system, you’re making a smart choice for your health and the environment. Explore our science-backed solutions and find out how easy it is to enjoy peace of mind and water you can trust every day.
Ready to take the next step? Connect with us for lab reports, installation guides, and personalized advice, or browse our Water Report Summaries for more information.