In recent years, the conversation surrounding water quality in New Jersey has shifted significantly due to the emergence of a group of compounds known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). Often referred to as “forever chemicals” because they do not easily break down in the environment or the human body, PFAS have become a major focus for scientists, regulators, and, most importantly, homeowners.

If you are a New Jersey resident, particularly one who relies on a private well, you have likely heard about these chemicals in the news. But what exactly are they, why are they a concern, and what steps should you be taking to protect your household?

What Are PFAS and Where Do They Come From?

PFAS are a large family of synthetic chemicals that have been used since the 1940s in a wide variety of industrial and consumer products. Because they are exceptionally effective at resisting heat, water, grease, and stains, they were incorporated into items like non-stick cookware, food packaging, water-resistant clothing, and firefighting foams.

The problem lies in their durability. These carbon-fluorine bonds are among the strongest in organic chemistry, which means that once PFAS are released into the environment—through manufacturing processes, the use of firefighting foams, or the degradation of consumer products in landfills—they persist for decades, if not longer. In New Jersey, due to our long history of industrial manufacturing, these chemicals have migrated into our groundwater and soil, making them a pressing water quality issue.

Why Are PFAS a Health Concern?

The reason PFAS have gained such intense regulatory focus is their ability to accumulate. Unlike some contaminants that leave the body relatively quickly, PFAS can build up in human blood and tissues over time.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), exposure to certain PFAS over long periods has been linked to a range of serious health effects. These include:

• Hormonal Interference: PFAS can impact thyroid function and other endocrine systems.
• Immune System Impacts: Some studies suggest that high exposure can reduce the body’s ability to respond to vaccines and lower overall immune response.
• Developmental Issues: There is evidence linking prenatal and childhood exposure to developmental delays and lower birth weights.
• Increased Risk of Cancer: Certain compounds in the PFAS family have been classified as potential carcinogens, with links to kidney and testicular cancers.

Given these risks, New Jersey has been at the forefront of the nation in setting stringent drinking water standards, aiming to keep these contaminants at the lowest detectable levels possible.

PFAS and Your Private Well

For those on public water, utilities are now mandated to monitor and treat for PFAS. However, if you rely on a private well, the responsibility for testing and treatment remains with you.

Because PFAS chemicals are highly mobile in groundwater, they can travel significant distances from their original source. This means that even if you live in a rural area or a quiet suburb far from a major factory, your well could still be at risk if the chemicals migrated through the local aquifer.

How to Know if You Have PFAS

There is no “sensory test” for PFAS. They do not change the taste, color, or odor of your water. The only way to know if your well water contains these chemicals is through specialized laboratory analysis.

If you are concerned about your water, you should reach out to a professional service that has the capability to test for these specific compounds. You can learn more about what we test to understand how we screen for a broad range of contaminants, including emerging concerns like PFAS.

Treatment and Remediation

If your test results indicate the presence of PFAS, it is natural to feel concerned. However, it is important to understand that PFAS contamination is treatable. Technology has advanced significantly, and homeowners now have effective options for removing these chemicals from their drinking water.

The most effective treatment methods typically include:

• Granular Activated Carbon (GAC): This is one of the most common and effective ways to remove PFAS. The water is passed through a bed of specially treated carbon that “adsorbs” (binds) the PFAS molecules, pulling them out of the water.
• Reverse Osmosis (RO): High-quality RO systems are highly effective at filtering out a wide range of contaminants, including PFAS. These are often used as “point-of-use” systems, installed directly under the kitchen sink to treat the water used for drinking and cooking.
• Ion Exchange: Similar to the technology used in water softeners, ion exchange resins can be engineered to specifically target and capture PFAS molecules.

The key to any treatment system is proper installation and ongoing maintenance. A system is only as good as its filter; if you install a GAC or RO system, you must commit to a schedule of changing filters to ensure the system remains effective.

Taking Action: Your Next Steps

Being proactive is the best way to safeguard your family’s health. If you haven’t tested your water for PFAS, or if it has been several years since your last comprehensive screening, now is the time to prioritize it.

1. Understand Your Local Risk: Some locations in New Jersey have been more impacted by industrial contamination than others. Check your local municipal reports or reach out to your local health department to see if there are known issues in your specific area.
2. Use Certified Professionals: Testing for PFAS requires precise, specialized equipment. Ensure you are using a lab that is certified for these specific tests. You can review our testing services to see how we help residents navigate these complex requirements.
3. Stay Informed: The science of PFAS is constantly evolving. Visit our FAQ section for the latest information on water quality standards and common treatment methods.
4. Reach Out: When you are ready to take the next step, contacting our team is the fastest way to get accurate, professional insights. We are dedicated to providing the data you need to ensure your home’s water is safe.

For more ongoing advice on water quality, home maintenance, and the latest news affecting New Jersey well owners, keep reading our blog. You have the power to protect your household—the first step is simply knowing what is in your water.