Short answer
Yes. Reverse osmosis is the most effective way to remove PFAS from drinking water at home. It also removes arsenic, lead, chromium-6 and nitrates. Water softeners and most standard filters don’t reliably remove PFAS.
What are PFAS?
PFAS are man-made “forever chemicals” from non-stick pans, waterproofing and firefighting foam. They don’t break down, so they can build up in your body over time. You can’t see, smell or taste them.
How reverse osmosis removes them
Water is pushed through a membrane with pores about 0.0001 micron wide. Water molecules fit through. PFAS and other contaminants are too big, so they’re flushed down the drain instead of reaching your glass.
Watch it in our one-minute explainer: Learn the science.
What else does reverse osmosis remove?
- Arsenic: 88–96%
- Lead: 96–98%
- Chromium-6: 86–98%
- Nitrates: 60–75%
- Sodium added by a water softener
Why not just use a softener or carbon filter?
A softener only removes hardness minerals. A carbon filter is great for chlorine taste and smell, but standard filters aren’t reliable for PFAS. That’s why we pair a whole house system with reverse osmosis at the kitchen sink when drinking water safety matters.
Where does it go, and what does it cost?
Under your kitchen sink, with its own faucet. Ours is $775 installed, or $850 with alkaline minerals added back for taste. It uses a 1:1 ratio, so it wastes far less water than older systems. Filters are changed about once a year.
Which East Valley cities have PFAS?
Gilbert found PFAS at two wells and a treatment plant. Arizona Water Company disclosed PFAS in Apache Junction. Florence and San Tan Valley are monitoring. Check your city’s report.
Common questions
Does a Brita or fridge filter remove PFAS?
Some certified filters reduce certain PFAS, but most pitcher and fridge filters are built for chlorine and taste. Reverse osmosis is far more effective.
Does reverse osmosis remove healthy minerals?
Yes, along with the contaminants. An alkaline stage adds calcium and magnesium back for taste.