PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) have been called "forever chemicals" because they don't break down naturally in the environment. Found in everything from non-stick cookware to firefighting foam, these chemicals have contaminated water supplies across the country, including here in South Carolina.
EPA Health Advisory
In 2024, the EPA set enforceable limits for six PFAS compounds in drinking water. The limits for PFOA and PFOS are 4 parts per trillion—essentially as low as can be measured.
What Are PFAS?
PFAS are a family of over 12,000 synthetic chemicals that contain carbon-fluorine bonds—one of the strongest chemical bonds in nature. This makes them incredibly durable and useful in manufacturing, but also means they persist indefinitely in the environment and human body.
Common sources of PFAS contamination include:
- Military bases and airports (firefighting foam)
- Manufacturing facilities
- Landfills and wastewater treatment plants
- Agricultural runoff from biosolids
PFAS in South Carolina
South Carolina has confirmed PFAS contamination at numerous sites, including areas around military installations like Shaw Air Force Base, Charleston Air Force Base, and Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island.
Beyond military sites, PFAS has been detected in public water systems across the state. Private wells near contaminated areas are also at risk, but aren't subject to the same monitoring requirements as public supplies.
Health Risks Associated with PFAS
Research has linked PFAS exposure to numerous health effects, including:
Cancer
Increased risk of kidney and testicular cancer
Thyroid Disease
Interference with thyroid hormone production
Immune Effects
Reduced vaccine response, weakened immunity
Reproductive Issues
Pregnancy complications, developmental effects
Liver Damage
Elevated liver enzymes, liver disease
Cholesterol
Increased cholesterol levels
Testing Your Water for PFAS
Unlike chlorine or iron, PFAS contamination has no visible signs, taste, or odor. The only way to know if your water contains PFAS is through laboratory testing.
PFAS testing is more complex and expensive than standard water quality tests, typically costing $300-500 for a comprehensive panel. However, if you live near a known contamination site or have concerns, it's worth the investment.
Removing PFAS from Drinking Water
Not all water treatment systems effectively remove PFAS. Here's what works:
Reverse Osmosis (Highly Effective)
RO membranes remove 90%+ of PFAS compounds. Point-of-use under-sink RO provides excellent protection for drinking and cooking water.
Activated Carbon (Effective for Most PFAS)
Granular activated carbon (GAC) effectively removes longer-chain PFAS like PFOA and PFOS. Coconut shell carbon in whole-house systems provides good protection.
Ion Exchange (Effective)
Specialized anion exchange resins can remove PFAS effectively. Often used in combination with other methods for comprehensive treatment.
What Doesn't Work
Boiling water does not remove PFAS—it actually concentrates them. Standard pitcher filters like Brita have limited effectiveness against PFAS. Water softeners do not remove PFAS.
Recommended Treatment Approach
For confirmed PFAS contamination, we recommend a multi-barrier approach:
Whole-House Carbon Filtration
Reduces PFAS levels throughout the home and provides protection for bathing
Point-of-Use RO System
Provides the highest level of PFAS removal for drinking and cooking water
This combination ensures comprehensive protection while being more economical than whole-house RO treatment.
Taking Action
If you're concerned about PFAS in your water, the first step is testing. Once you know what you're dealing with, we can recommend the most effective and economical treatment solution for your situation.
At Solomon Home Water Solutions, we stay current on the latest PFAS research and treatment technologies to provide the best protection for South Carolina families.