PFAS “Forever Chemicals”: What Should Know
Concerns about PFAS, often called “forever chemicals,” are rising across Virginia as new research, regulations, and local monitoring draw attention to how these substances affect drinking water.
Communities in Fairfax, Arlington, Loudoun, Manassas, and Warrenton are seeing increasing public focus on the issue. This guide breaks down the science, the new rules, what local utilities are doing, and the practical steps you can take at home.
PFAS 101: Why Are They Called “Forever Chemicals?”
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a large family of man-made compounds used for decades to make products resist heat, stains, and water. Think nonstick pans, water-repellent fabrics, and certain firefighting foams. These chemicals became popular because of their durability and effectiveness.
However, that same durability has created long-term environmental challenges. Their carbon-fluorine bonds are extraordinarily strong, which makes PFAS resistant to natural breakdown. That’s why they’re often called “forever chemicals.” Once released, PFAS can linger in soil, rivers, reservoirs, and aquifers for decades. Over time, these substances can enter drinking water supplies, and because they don’t degrade easily, they build up in the environment and the human body.
What Health Experts Say
Public-health agencies have increasingly raised alarms about the potential health effects of PFAS exposure. Studies suggest links between certain PFAS and elevated cholesterol levels, changes in immune response, and developmental issues in infants and children. Some research also indicates possible associations with certain cancers, adding to public concern.
While not every PFAS has been studied in detail, the persistence of these chemicals and their tendency to accumulate in the body have led regulators to act. Even at very low concentrations, PFAS can remain in blood for years. As a result, agencies like the EPA and the Virginia Department of Health recommend minimizing exposure wherever possible. The scientific community continues to investigate how PFAS interact with human health, but precautionary limits are already being set.
Why PFAS Is in the News Now: New Enforceable Standards
In April 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency introduced the first enforceable federal drinking-water limits for several PFAS. Two of the most common — PFOA and PFOS — now have maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) of just 4 parts per trillion (ppt). Three others — PFNA, PFHxS, and HFPO-DA (GenX) — are capped at 10 ppt.
The timeline is equally important. Public water systems must begin monitoring by 2027, and if results exceed the new limits for PFOA and PFOS, utilities must take corrective action and notify the public by 2031. Local utilities are already preparing for these requirements, but homeowners may want to consider their own protective steps now.
How PFAS Chemicals Reach Your Tap Water
PFAS contamination doesn’t come from one single source. Manufacturing discharges, landfill runoff, wastewater treatment plants, and the use of firefighting foams have all contributed to the problem. These chemicals can leach into groundwater or run off into surface water supplies. Once in rivers and reservoirs, PFAS are difficult to remove using conventional treatment methods.
Because they dissolve in water and resist natural breakdown, PFAS move easily through waterways and persist over time. That’s why even small releases decades ago can continue to show up in water samples today. Local treatment plants are now evaluating advanced technologies such as activated carbon, ion exchange, and reverse osmosis to address the challenge at scale.
What Works at Home
For families concerned about PFAS, the good news is that effective household treatments areincreasingly available. Research and certification testing show that certain technologies canreduce PFAS to safer levels when properly installed and maintained.
Two standouts are:
• Point-of-Use Reverse Osmosis (RO) systems, usually installed under the kitchen sink and certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 58.
• Activated Carbon and adsorption-based systems certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53for PFAS reduction claims.
When evaluating solutions, it’s critical to verify NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 certification specifically for PFAS reduction. Not every filter removes PFAS, and labels can sometimes be misleading. Additionally, maintaining these systems is essential; filters and media must be replaced on schedule to keep working effectively.
A Practical Plan for Your Home
Protecting your household starts with knowing where your water comes from and what it contains. Begin by confirming your water supplier. Each publishes water quality reports and PFAS updates that show current results and outline plans for meeting federal deadlines.
If your home relies on a private well, you won't be included in public system testing. In that case, testing is essential. We offer free water quality analysis to help homeowners understand what's in their water, including PFAS testing options. Knowing your baseline is the first step toward making informed decisions about your family's water safety.
Once you have your results, consider treatment options. For drinking and cooking, a reverse osmosis system offers targeted protection. For whole-home coverage, a carbon-based system can reduce PFAS at every tap. Combining the two often provides the strongest reassurance. After installation, remember to replace filters and test again periodically to confirm ongoing performance.
How Mermaid Water & Plumbing Can Help
As a local plumbing and water treatment team, we design PFAS-focused solutions tailored to how your household uses water. For many homes, that means installing a whole-home system to address every tap along with a dedicated RO unit in the kitchen for added peace of mind. We handle installation, maintenance, and timely filter replacements, then help you re-test your water so you can trust the results.
If you live in Fairfax County, Arlington County, Loudoun County, the City of Manassas, or Warrenton, we’re ready to help you assess options. Have questions about your address, your utility, or which system to look for? Give us a call at (703) 686-5931; we’ll walk you through all your PFAS concerns honestly and clearly.
Where to Check PFAS Levels in North Virginia
Fairfax County
Fairfax Water, one of the region’s largest suppliers, has published PFAS updates and indicated it is taking steps to comply with EPA’s new standards, including planning, treatment evaluations, and communications with customers and wholesale partners. If you live anywhere Fairfax Water serves, monitor Fairfax Water’s annual Water Quality Report for the latest testing results and timelines.
Arlington County
Arlington's water comes from the Washington Aqueduct system. The County has been working with regional partners to ensure the water supply continues to meet or exceed all safety standards. Arlington posts PFAS information and water quality reports, helpful if you want to see the latest local data.
Loudoun County
Loudoun Water has a dedicated PFAS information hub that explains the new federal standards, local sampling, and what the utility is doing to prepare for compliance. If you’re on Loudoun Water, check its PFAS page and the annual water quality report for results specific to your service area.
City of Manassas
The City of Manassas Water Treatment Plant provides water to city residents and, at times, to nearby systems. The City maintains PFAS information and publishes detailed annual water quality reports. If you live in Manassas, those resources are your best window into local sampling and how the City is approaching the new standards.
Warrenton & Fauquier County
In the Warrenton area, PFAS concerns involve both the Town of Warrenton's water system and the Fauquier County Water and Sanitation Authority (FCWSA), depending on who supplies your address. FCWSA maintains a dedicated PFAS information page and provides Consumer Confidence Reports through their water quality reports page.
Forever chemicals don't have to be forever in your home. Get your free water quality analysis and learn how we can reduce PFAS from every tap. Call (703) 686-5931 or schedule a visit online.