What Is PFAS in Canadian Tap Water?

Drinking clean water is essential to good health, yet in recent years concern about contaminants in tap water has grown, especially in Canada. One of the chemical families that has been highly worrisome is PFAS. If you have heard about PFAS and wanted to learn about it regarding your family's health, this guide contains everything you'd ever want to learn along with practical tips to enable you to reduce exposure at home.

PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and form a large group of man-made compounds. PFAS have greatly been utilized in products like non-stick cookware, rainproof jackets, food packaging materials, and firefighting foams. PFAS are usually referred to as “forever chemicals” as they cannot degrade from the environment with ease. Their persistence also means that they can get deposited in watersheds, soil, and even in the human system with time.

PFAS contamination in drinking water usually arises from:

• Industrial sites: Factories that produce or use PFAS can release such substances into nearby waters.
• Firefighting foam: Firefighting practice areas and military bases routinely use PFAS-contaminated foams that could leach into ground waters.
• Landfills and sewage: PFAS from household products could get into waters through sewage or through leachate from landfills.

Because PFAS are so enduring, once they infiltrate watersheds, they may prove very difficult to wash out without sophisticated filters.

A number of studies have linked PFAS exposure to potential health risks, specifically long-term consumption of contaminated drinking water. Some of these PFAS-related health risks are as follows:

• Increased cholesterol levels
• Hormonal disruption
• Compromised immunity
• Increased risk for certain cancers
• Developmental impacts in babies and children

Health officials in Canada, i.e., Health Canada, have been monitoring PFAS levels in municipal drinking supplies and developing guidelines to protect public health. Nonetheless, PFAS contamination continues to be an issue in tap water despite these measures, particularly near industrial or military activities.

PFAS cannot be identified by looking for chlorine or bacteria. Testing for PFAS requires highly advanced labs and advanced equipment like liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. Home test kits may provide a preliminary indication, although for correct results, it's best to use professional testing.

If you suspect PFAS contamination near your neighborhood:

Check municipal water quality reports – A number of Canadian municipalities provide annual water quality reports online.

Ask for lab testing – Some private labs will test your kitchen-sink tap water specifically for PFAS.

PFAS are highly resistant to standard drinking-water purification measures like boiling or general filters. The most effective ways to reduce PFAS in your household water are:

Reverse osmosis filtration is one of the finest PFAS filtration systems. Reverse osmosis filters use a semi-permeable membrane that removes contaminants like PFAS, heavy metals, and other poisonous substances. For Canadian citizens concerned about PFAS contamination, having a good-quality RO will significantly reduce your exposure.

Waterdrop RO systems ensure pure and clean drinking water in homes. Their multi-stage filters eliminate PFAS as they improve water taste and quality. These systems are also easy to maintain and compatible with most kitchen environments.

High-quality activated carbon filters could also reduce PFAS levels in drinking water. They work by adsorbing chemical compounds on the surface of carbon. While good for certain PFAS compounds, not all carbon filters are created equal, so it's best to choose a certified product.

Bottled water use will decrease PFAS exposure in the short term, yet it is not sustainable over time because it is environmentally unsustainable and expensive.

Related article: Which water is best to drink in Canada?

Health Canada has acted proactively in terms of developing PFAS drinking supply guidelines by defining levels for specific compounds like PFOA and PFOS . Rules, though, vary from province to province and depend on local infrastructure for enforcement. Some municipalities across Canada have measured PFAS levels above guideline levels, in particular close to industrial areas.

Since PFAS are not only persistent yet ubiquitous, municipal water treatment by itself may not suffice to ensure safety. A whole-home filtration system is one of the best ways to make your home's water supply safe.

Aside from filtering your kitchen's tap water, here are other measures that can help lower PFAS exposure:

• Avoid non-stick plates – Stainless or ceramics are good choices.
• Check personal care products – Some cosmetics and personal care products contain PFAS.
• Be cautious with food packaging – Fast food packets and microwave popcorn packets may contain PFAS.
• Filter your water – Install filters that are certified to reduce PFAS.

No, PFAS are not destroyed by boiling water. In fact, it tends to slightly concentrate them as it decreases volume through evaporation. Filtration through methods like reverse osmosis or good-quality activated carbon systems is better.

Some locations in Canada with previous industrial activities, military operations, or fire-training activities have had PFAS detection. Some cities like Halifax (Nova Scotia) , Saint John (New Brunswick), and some Ontario locations have had PFAS detected in municipal waters. Municipal waters reports might have the most current data for your own city.

The best method to confirm is through water testing. Information from municipal water quality offers a general understanding, but testing your kitchen sink or bathroom faucet water assures accuracy. Having a certified RO system installed, like Waterdrop reverse osmosis filters, provides extra confidence.

All filters are not created equal. Waterdrop reverse osmosis filters have multi-stage filtering and RO membranes and activated carbon all integrated together for removing PFAS along with other impurities such as chlorine and heavy metals.

Pros of using Waterdrop systems are:

• Purity, safety, and good flavor
• Easy installation and maintenance
• Long-lasting filters for homes in Canada
• Peace of mind knowing PFAS exposure is mitigated

With the installation of a Waterdrop RO system in your home, it is feasible to make sure that your family will enjoy safer drinking water and yet enjoy tap-water convenience.

PFAS in Canadian tap water is gaining cause for alarm due to its longevity and potential health effects. Though municipal filtration lessens it to a degree, domestic filtration is the best way to reduce exposure. Reverse osmosis filters, particularly high-quality ones like Waterdrop, are a convenient long-term solution for Canadian residents.

Actions such as checking your water, using certified filters, and reducing PFAS exposures throughout daily activities will enable you to protect your health and receive drinking water that's actually safe.