PFAS Information

What are PFAS?

Per- and poly- fluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, are a group of man-made chemical compounds that do not break down in the environment. They are used in many commercial products including non-stick coatings, firefighting foams, and waterproof products. Emerging data suggests that PFAS are widespread in the environment, and they have been linked to harmful health impacts. In April 2024, EPA finalized the National Primary Drinking Water Regulation for six PFAS by establishing Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for five of these PFAS and a Hazard Index for mixtures of four PFAS.  

PFAS Fact Sheet

How can I reduce my exposure to PFAS through my drinking water?

Consider installing a treatment system to lower the levels of PFAS from your drinking water. Treatment systems shown to remove a range of PFAS are available at various price points, which can be installed to treat your entire home, a single faucet, or may be a simple pitcher or refrigerator filter. Reverse Osmosis and Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) are two methods of filtration shown to lower PFAS levels.

Learn more about PFAS Testing and Treatment Options. Consider the overall quality of your water to determine the best filtration type to fit your needs. See our recommendations for a complete picture of your water quality below.

Recommendation for Complete Picture of Your Water

While public water systems undergo regular water quality testing to ensure compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act, private well owners are responsible for testing their own water. Test your well regularly and deliberately to understand your overall water quality. Testing only for one or two compounds may give you an incomplete picture of your drinking water and may create a false sense of security. Wake County has developed well testing recommendations based on current guidance from NC DHHS and a review of over 15 years of data from private well testing in Wake County. These recommendations are a cost-effective approach to gaining confidence in the safety of your well water.

  • Follow Wake County’s current well testing recommendations at www.wake.gov/wells:
    • The First Timer’s Package for all well users, plus
    • The Radiological Package for well users in the County.
  • Address any issues uncovered by these tests. If installing treatment, consider options that are also certified to reduce PFAS levels.
  • Wake County does not currently offer testing for PFAS. For those who wish to test their water for PFAS, view this list of certified laboratories who offer testing.
  • The Bernard Allen Emergency Drinking Water Fund provides testing and treatment for eligible residents with private drinking water wells.   

We will continue to track this issue and update our recommendations as information emerges. Please contact Rachael McCaully at Rachael.McCaully@wake.gov with questions.