What PFOA and PFOS are, why they’re called "forever chemicals," and which filters are actually certified to remove them.
Data current as of July 2026
🔍Straight from EPA
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PFAS ("per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances") are a large family of human-made chemicals used in things like non-stick cookware, water-resistant fabric, and firefighting foam. They're nicknamed "forever chemicals" because they don't break down naturally and can persist in the environment and the body for years.
PFOA
One of two PFAS with an enforceable federal limit (4 ppt) since 2024.
PFOS
One of two PFAS with an enforceable federal limit (4 ppt) since 2024.
EPA's Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR) also tracks a much longer list of PFAS compounds beyond just PFOA and PFOS (e.g. PFHxA, PFHxS, PFNA, PFBS, PFBA, GenX) that don't yet have an enforceable federal limit but are being monitored for future rulemaking.
Filtration
Reverse osmosis is generally the most broadly effective single technology against PFAS, though not every RO system is certified for every compound — look for NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 certification for the specific one you're concerned about. Carbon filtration offers only partial protection against PFAS.
Live in this area? Simple Water Heater & Filtration can size a filtration system to whatever's actually on file for your utility.