If you’ve used a PFAS Water Test and found that your tap or well contains PFAS compounds, you’re not alone — and knowing this is an important first step toward protecting your household. Even if you haven’t tested your water yet, learning how to respond can help you reduce exposure and plan next steps.
Why PFAS in Drinking Water Has Raised Health Concerns
Scientific research and ongoing public health assessments suggest that long-term exposure to certain PFAS may be associated with a range of adverse health outcomes, which is why they have become a major focus of environmental and regulatory attention.
Check Against PFAS Regulatory Guidelines
In the U.S., the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set enforceable maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) and non-enforceable maximum contaminant level goals (MCLGs) for certain PFAS compounds, including PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, PFNA, and HFPO-DA (GenX).
- MCLG: This is the ideal maximum level of contamination in drinking water — essentially a health-based goal.
- MCL: This is the legally enforceable limit for public water systems, based on what is feasible to achieve with current treatment technologies.
If your results show levels above these limits, it’s important to take action. You can explore the EPA’s 2024 PFAS rule and see the specific numbers here: EPA PFAS Drinking Water Regulation.
Consider Water Filtration or Alternative Sources
Short and long-term strategies can reduce your household exposure:
- Certified water filters: Look for filters certified to remove PFAS, such as reverse osmosis or activated carbon systems.
- Bottled or alternative water sources: For temporary use, drinking filtered bottled water may reduce immediate exposure. However, not all bottled water is PFAS-free, and plastic bottles can contain microplastics or other chemicals. Certified home filtration systems are generally more effective for long-term reduction of PFAS.
- Retesting: After installing a filtration system or if conditions change, it’s wise to periodically retest your water to ensure levels are reduced.
Mitigate PFAS in Private Well Water
Private wells are not regulated like public water systems, so the approach is a bit different. Because contamination sources and water flow vary, the safest step is to reach out to your state or local health or environmental agency. They can provide guidance on testing frequency, filtration options, and whether any additional actions are necessary for your well.
Next Steps: Understand Your Personal Exposure to PFAS
Detecting PFAS in your water is an important first step, but it doesn’t tell you how much has entered your body. The empowerDX PFAS Exposure Blood Test allows you to see which PFAS compounds are present in your blood and at what levels.
- Collect a blood sample easily at home with all materials provided
- Send it back with prepaid shipping
- Get digital results showing your personal exposure to multiple PFAS compounds
The empowerDX PFAS blood exposure test is a natural next step for anyone concerned about long-term exposure and can help guide lifestyle or mitigation decisions.
Thinking About Testing Your Water?
If you haven’t tested your water yet, our PFAS Water Test checks for 29 different PFAS compounds, including PFOA and PFOS, in both tap and well water. Knowing what’s in your water is the first step toward protecting you and your family.
Learn more about testing your water for PFAS.
Resources
What are the health risks of PFAS? — empowerDX https://empowerdxlab.com/articles/what-are-the-health-risks-of-pfas
Final PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation — United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) https://www.epa.gov/sdwa/and-polyfluoroalkyl-substances-pfas
Private Drinking Water Well Programs in Your State — United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) https://www.epa.gov/privatewells/private-drinking-water-well-programs-your-state#pr
