What are PFAs and should I be worried about them in my drinking water?

We’re used to hearing about impurities in our tap water. From microplastics to lead traces and even dirt, tiny particles find their way into our water supply meaning that although passed as safe to drink, the quality of our drinking water is not 100%.

The not-so-great news is that there is also another type of contaminant found in drinking water: PFAs. We’re going to take a closer look at PFAs and why water filtration has never been so important for your household.

What are PFAs?

PFAs stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, and are a large group of human-made chemicals used in various industrial and consumer products. They are known for their (undeniably useful) water-, grease-, and stain-resistant properties and are commonly found in things like:

• Nonstick cookware (like Teflon)

• Water-resistant clothing and gear

• Food packaging (e.g., fast food wrappers)

• Firefighting foam

• Cosmetics and personal care products

Why should we be concerned about PFAS?

PFAS are often referred to as ‘forever chemicals’ because they don’t break down easily, either in the environment or within the human body. In fact, some take more than a thousand years to break down and exposure to them can lead to a number of serious health concerns.

It's because of this that many governments and organisations are working to try and regulate and ultimately phase out these chemicals. But with more than 9,000 PFA compounds, removing these chemicals from circulation is a long-term challenge.

How do PFAS get into tap water?

Worryingly, more than a third of water courses in England and Wales were, when tested,  found to contain medium to high levels of PFAS. 

Contamination of a water supply is more likely to occur in areas with industrial facilities, airports and fire training facilities among others, where a high concentration of PFAS are used. These PFAS leak out into the surrounding environment and water supplies, and into the water we drink.

What can we do to minimise PFAS in our water?

Before you vow never to let a drop of tap water pass your lips ever again, there are steps you can take to minimise the amount of PFAS in your home’s water supply.

Using a water filtration system is the number one action you can take to reduce PFAS in your water. But using any old water filter, such as a particle or sediment filter, won’t quite cut it, as these pesky particles are just so fine that they won’t be caught.

The only way to filter out PFAS is to use activated carbon filters, which are effective at absorbing a range of contaminants. Here at Zip, our MicroPurity filtration combines carbon and sediment filtration into one cartridge, removing dirt, bacteria, microplastics, and contaminants, as well as up to 97% of chlorine and 99.9% of microbiological cysts.

In fact, our filters are so effective against PFAS that we have been awarded certification for removing 99.4% of PFAS, meaning our customers can enjoy peace of mind that their HydroTaps deliver the cleanest, safest water possible.

Are PFAS found in bottled water?

Yes, unfortunately, studies have shown that PFAS are indeed present in the majority of bottled water as well as tap water. The best way to avoid consuming PFAS in bottled water is to fill up a reusable bottle from your HydroTap – you’ll also be reducing single-use plastic bottles!

Ultimately, our HydroTaps haven’t just been designed as multi-purpose drinking water systems. Every element of functionality, including their MicroPurity filtration, has been designed to enhance your lifestyle and safeguard your wellbeing.

Find your perfect HydroTap today and feel confident that your family is drinking pure, safe water.