The term “forever chemical” sounds dystopian, but it is a real nickname for a new contaminant in our drinking water and it’s here to stay.
A Brief History of PFAS
PFAS (polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of man-made chemical compounds made primarily from carbon and fluorine — a bond so strong it resists water, grease, and heat. These properties made PFAS seem like a miracle material for decades. But what seemed too good to be true… was.
Originally developed in 1936, PFAS gained traction after being used in the Manhattan Project to contain uranium radiation. By the mid-20th century, PFAS had gone mainstream — appearing in everything from nonstick pans and carpets to industrial components and medical devices.
The problem? PFAS don’t break down easily. Over decades, these compounds have spread into critical water sources and now appear in people, animals, and plants. PFAS are highly soluble in water, meaning once they’re in, they travel far and wide.
Why PFAS in Water Is a Big Problem
PFAS have extremely long half-lives. A single particle can take decades to degrade even partially in the human body. Long-term exposure to PFAS has been linked to:
Certain types of cancer
Liver and kidney damage
Hormonal disruption
Immune system dysfunction
Cardiovascular issues
Birth defects
Recent studies found PFAS in 45% of U.S. tap water systems. In response, the EPA introduced its first enforceable PFAS regulations in May 2025. These rules require public water systems to monitor and report PFAS levels, with thresholds as low as 4 nanograms per liter for most compounds.
Can PFAS Be Removed from Drinking Water?
Yes — but it requires advanced filtration. Here are three proven PFAS treatment technologies:
1. Activated Carbon (Adsorption)
Activated carbon, particularly Granular Activated Carbon (GAC), is highly effective at capturing PFAS through adsorption. The fluorine in PFAS molecules is attracted to the carbon, allowing clean water to pass through while holding back contaminants.
2. Reverse Osmosis (RO)
Reverse osmosis uses a semi-permeable membrane that filters out almost all contaminants, including PFAS. It’s a scalable solution used in both residential and industrial systems.
3. Anion Exchange
This method removes PFAS by targeting their acidic properties and replacing them with less harmful ions. While more commonly used in smaller systems, it plays a key role in reducing PFAS levels and managing pH balance.
Real-time monitoring and EPA-verified quality standards ensure reliability.
Why PFAS Still Get Through Public Water Systems
Despite the new EPA regulations, many public water systems aren’t equipped with the infrastructure or funding to upgrade quickly. Reasons PFAS continue to spread include:
Outdated water treatment technology
Limited funding or regulatory support
High water demand in large population areas
Lack of public awareness and urgency
PFAS Treatment for Remote and Mobile Work Sites
Roughly 77% of source water contains PFAS, making it essential to protect workers on job sites. WaterFleet offers mobile infrastructure that helps crews avoid exposure.
Our Water System combines:
Reverse Osmosis
Activated Carbon Filtration
Anion Exchange
These same technologies are used again in our Reclaimer System, ensuring clean water on both the supply and treatment side. Compact, modern, and scalable, WaterFleet’s infrastructure brings PFAS-safe drinking water wherever the job takes you.
Ready to Take Action?
If you’re managing a mobile workforce or remote site, WaterFleet can help you meet the latest EPA requirements — and safeguard your team.
Contact us today to learn more about PFAS treatment solutions for your site.
Written by: Raegan Kripal, Sustainability Intern