What Are PFAS and Why Should You Care?

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are synthetic chemicals used in many industrial and consumer products. They're called "forever chemicals" because they don't break down naturally in soil or water.

PFAS are found in:

Drinking water (groundwater and municipal supplies)
Soil near military bases, airports, and industrial sites
Food packaging and non-stick cookware
Fire-fighting foams

PFAS Health Risks

Research links PFAS exposure to:

Liver damage
Thyroid disease
Kidney cancer and testicular cancer
Weakened immune response (reduced vaccine effectiveness)
High cholesterol

Source: EPA PFAS Information and Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection

PFAS in Massachusetts Water

Massachusetts has some of the most contaminated drinking water in the U.S. due to:

Military bases (Hanscom Air Force Base, Fort Devens)
Airports and aviation fuel
Historical industrial sites
Aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF) used in firefighting

In 2021, Massachusetts set one of the nation's strictest PFAS drinking water standards: 20 nanograms per liter (ng/L) for PFOA and PFOS combined.

The EPA's 2023 proposed standard is also 4 ng/L combined—stricter still.

Is Your Water Safe? Get Tested

If you use well water, your risk is higher. Municipal water is tested, but:

Not all PFAS are regulated (there are 12,000+ types)
Levels can vary block-to-block in older homes
Corrosion can allow contamination near pipes

Get your water tested. Lela Homelife offers free water quality testing to detect PFAS and other contaminants.

How to Remove PFAS from Drinking Water

Option 1: Point-of-Use (POU) Treatment
Reverse osmosis or activated carbon filters at your kitchen sink remove up to 99% of PFAS. Cost: $800–$2,000 installed.

Option 2: Whole-Home Treatment
Whole-house systems treat all water entering your home. Effective for bathing and cooking. Cost: $2,000–$5,000+ depending on system size.

Option 3: Combination Approach
Whole-home pre-filtration + kitchen RO (reverse osmosis) system provides maximum protection and taste improvement.

Learn more about Lela Homelife water filtration systems.

EPA and State Actions on PFAS

The EPA is tightening PFAS regulations:

2023: Proposed drinking water standards (4 ng/L PFOA + PFOS)
2024+: Final rules expected soon
Massachusetts: Already at 20 ng/L standard; considering lower limits
Federal: Considering PFAS class designation and source contamination cleanup

Follow updates at EPA.gov/PFAS and Mass.gov

Protect Your Family: Test and Filter Today

PFAS contamination is serious and widespread in Massachusetts. Reverse osmosis and advanced filtration systems remove PFAS effectively.

Schedule your free water quality test to check for PFAS, bacteria, lead, and other contaminants. Our team will recommend the best solution for your home.

PFAS in Massachusetts Tap Water: What Homeowners Need to Know