PFCs: What Are They & How Do I Get Rid of Them?

The complete list of common water contaminants is rather lengthy, it’s true. And more than that, the contaminants found in the water of one home in Minnesota or Wisconsin, can be drastically different from those found in the water of the next. This is because most contaminants are a product of the environment in which the water flows through before it reaches its final destination. Today, we’re going to focus specifically on perfluorinated compounds, otherwise known as PFCs.

What are PFCs, anyway?

We thought you’d never ask! Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) typically originate from manufacturing plants where non-stick cookware, anti-stain sprays, and firefighting foam are produced. These harmful chemicals have been linked to potential developmental issues in young children and cancer if left untreated or unfiltered from your water supply.

What makes PFCs an issue in the area?

In the recent past, companies in Minnesota have been exposed for disposing of these harmful chemicals without regard for the health issues that they create. Homes in areas such as the East Metro, Cottage Grove, Oakdale, Woodbury, St. Paul Park and even Bemidji received bottled water free of charge, for cooking and drinking, while they implement ways to filter the PFCs out of the tap water itself.

How are PFCs regulated?

Previously, the standard for PFC levels was 300 or 400 parts per trillion. However, in response to recent studies, the EPA has recommended that states cut their accepted levels down to 70 parts per trillion. (Drastic change — we know!) Minnesota state health officials have applied this recommendation and have even taken the recommendation a step further by advising that cities adopt a standard of 27-to-35 parts per trillion, in order to better protect young children and breastfeeding mothers.

How can Aquarius help keep PFCs at bay?

Bottled water has generally not been tested for PFCs and boiling water will not remove PFCs. The good news? PFC’s can be removed from water with the proper equiptment. The great news? Your Aquarius Water Specialist can help you identify the best water treatment system for your needs.

If you’re concerned about the PFC levels in your water

On a municipal water supply, contact your local public water system and ask for the test results that they have on hand.  Contact information can typically be found at the bottom of your water bill.

We can help the folks on private well water by identifying a local, 3rd party water testing agency, which can test for PFC’s.  A water test via a third party will typically have a cost associated, however, the process is generally fast and results can be trusted. You can also check out the PFAS Contamination in the U.S. Map that has been as of recent as June 8, 2022.

Or the simplest course of action, is to contact Aquarius and we’ll be happy to help you navigate the concerning waters of PFCs.

Remember, a water test is merely a snapshot of a moment in time and not a perfect analysis of your water. It’s important to have your water tested and potentially re-tested.  Understand that just because you don’t see PFC’s in your water after one test, that doesn’t mean that they are not there at all.

To discuss PFCs and what to do about them with one of our water specialists, contact a water specialist online or call toll-free: 1-888-741-9025. We’ll set you up with a complimentary water analysis to get started!