Friday, March 8th, 2024
Forever chemicals in Cincinnati water: Understanding PFAS contamination and solutions
PFAS have been in the news lately – not just in Cincinnati, but across the country as well. The big concern is that PFAS – which stands for Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances – contaminates drinking water. Sometimes called “forever chemicals,” PFAS can pose potential health risks. Understandably, that has people worried.
What are PFAS?
PFAS are a group of manufactured chemicals commonly found in a variety of consumer products and industrial supplies. They are resistant to heat, water, and oil, earning them the moniker “forever chemicals.” PFAS are valuable in manufacturing, as for the environment and your health – not so much.
Are there PFAS in Cincinnati’s drinking water?
PFAS have been found in Cincinnati’s water. However, the city, along with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Greater Cincinnati Water Works (GCWW), is proactive in monitoring the city’s water. It’s rigorously tested to keep it safe.
Recent water test results show that drinking water from the Richard Miller Treatment Plant, which serves most of the Queen City, is consistently below the proposed limits for these compounds. But treated water from the Charles M. Bolton Plant in Butler County has frequently tested slightly above the regulatory limit for PFAS.
It’s important to note that GCWW always works with the EPA to ensure water is safe for drinking and cooking. We recommend checking the website often for updates on PFAS levels in drinking water. You could also invest in a home water filtration system.
Why Cincinnati homes need a water softener
Below are some water filtration systems recommended by experts to help rid your home’s water of forever chemicals:
Reverse osmosis filtration systems.
Reverse osmosis (RO) filtration systems are highly effective at removing PFAS from water. These systems use a semipermeable membrane to remove contaminants, including PFAS molecules, from the water supply. Popular brands offering PFAS-approved RO systems include Aquasana and Home Master.
Granular activated carbon (GAC) filters. GAC filtration systems utilize activated carbon to adsorb PFAS and other contaminants from water. These filters can be installed at the point of use, such as under the sink or attached to a faucet. Brands like PUR and Brita offer GAC filtration systems certified to remove PFAS.
Whole-house filtration systems: For comprehensive water filtration throughout the home, whole-house filtration systems are a great option. These systems typically combine multiple filtration technologies, including activated carbon and sediment filters, to remove a wide range of contaminants, including PFAS. Aquasana offers whole-house filtration systems with PFAS removal capabilities.
Concerned about your home’s water? The team at Allied-Reddi Rooter can help make it cleaner through regular plumbing maintenance and with home water softener solutions.
