As a Southern Colorado resident or business owner, you’ve likely heard about the presence of PFAS in drinking water in the news lately. But what exactly are these chemicals, and how do they affect your drinking water?
At Clearly Colorado, we believe in keeping you informed about the quality of your water. Let’s take a look at the top five frequently asked questions about PFAS in drinking water – because when it comes to your drinking water, the answers should be clear!
What Are PFAS and Why Should You Be Concerned?
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS for short, are a group of man-made chemicals that have been around in various industries since the 1940s.
You might be wondering, “Why should I care about these chemicals if they have been around that long?”
The answer is actually in the question – PFAS stick around a long time. So long, in fact, that they have received the nickname “forever chemicals.” They don’t break down easily in the environment or your body.
Forever chemicals have links to several health concerns, including:
- Increased risk of certain cancers
- Hormonal disruption
- Liver and kidney damage
- Developmental issues in children
Given their potential health impacts, it’s crucial to be aware of PFAS in drinking water – even right here in Southern Colorado.
Related: The Unseen Health Benefits of Drinking Purified Water
How Do PFAS Get into Your Drinking Water?
You might be surprised to learn how easily PFAS can find their way into your water supply. These chemicals can enter drinking water sources through:
- Industrial releases from manufacturing facilities
- Runoff from firefighting foam used at airports and military bases
- Leaching from landfills
- Wastewater treatment plant discharges
In Southern Colorado, where we have a mix of urban and rural areas, all of these sources could contribute to PFAS contamination in our water supplies.
What Are the Current Standards for PFAS in Drinking Water?
You’re probably wondering, “Is there a safe level for PFAS in drinking water?” The regulatory landscape for PFAS is evolving rapidly. As of April 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set new national drinking water standards for six PFAS chemicals:
- PFOA and PFOS: 4.0 parts per trillion (ppt) each
- PFNA, PFHxS, and HFPO-DA (GenX): 10 ppt each
- A Hazard Index of 1.0 for PFHxS, HFPO-DA, PFNA, and PFBS combined
These new standards are much stricter than previous guidelines, reflecting growing concerns about the health impacts of PFAS. It’s important to note that while these standards apply to public water systems, they’re also a good benchmark for private well owners.
How Can Find Out if Your Drinking Water Has PFAS?
Now that you know about PFAS, you’re likely asking, “How can I find out if these chemicals are in my water?” Testing for PFAS requires specialized equipment and methods. Here are some steps you can take:
- If you’re on a public water system, check your annual Consumer Confidence Report. Many water utilities now include PFAS testing results.
- For private well owners, you’ll need to have your water tested by a certified laboratory. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment can provide information on accredited labs.
- Consider using a home testing kit designed specifically for PFAS. While not as accurate as lab testing, these can give you a general idea of PFAS levels in your water.
Remember, regular testing is critical, as PFAS levels can change over time.
What Can You Do to Reduce PFAS in Drinking Water?
If you’ve found PFAS in your water, don’t panic. There are several effective methods to reduce these chemicals:
Activated Carbon Filters: These can be effective at removing many PFAS compounds. Look for NSF-certified filters specifically tested for PFAS removal.
Reverse Osmosis Systems: Installing one of these systems can be highly effective for removing PFAS, along with many other contaminants.
Ion Exchange Treatment: This method can be particularly effective for removing shorter-chain PFAS compounds.
Water Delivery Services: Choose a provider that regularly tests for and removes PFAS.
While these methods are effective, they do require proper maintenance and regular testing to ensure they continue to work effectively.
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The Clearly Colorado Advantage: Pure, PFAS-Free Water Delivered to Your Door
After learning about PFAS in drinking water, are you feeling apprehensive about the quality and safety of your tap or well water? That’s where Clearly Colorado comes in. We offer a simple, worry-free solution to your drinking water concerns.
Here’s why choosing Clearly Colorado for your drinking water needs is a smart decision:
Rigorous Testing: We regularly test our water for PFAS and a wide range of other contaminants, ensuring it meets and exceeds all EPA standards.
Advanced Purification: Our state-of-the-art purification process effectively removes PFAS and other harmful substances, giving you the purest water possible. In fact, our process exceeds the FDA requirements for water purity.
Convenience: No need to install or maintain complex filtration systems. We specialize in drinking water home delivery and office water delivery services, so you have easy access to fresh, pure water right to your home or business.
Local Expertise: As a Southern Colorado company, we understand the unique water challenges in our region and customize our services to each client’s needs.
Environmentally Friendly: Our reusable bottles and efficient delivery routes help reduce plastic waste and carbon emissions.
By choosing Clearly Colorado, you’re not just getting drinking water – you’re getting peace of mind. You can trust that every drop of water we deliver is safe, pure, and free from PFAS and other contaminants.
When it comes to your health and the health of your family or employees, the water you drink matters. But that does not mean you have to let concerns about PFAS in your drinking water keep you up at night. Take control of your water quality today by contacting Clearly Colorado for a free quote and to learn more about the many options we have for the best-tasting, purest water Southern Colorado has to offer, delivered right to your doorstep.
Choose Clearly Colorado – your clear choice for pure, safe, and delicious water.
