You’ve probably seen headlines about PFAS — so-called “forever chemicals” — and ongoing concern about lead in drinking water. Here’s a plain-English look at what they are and what Central Texas homeowners can actually do.
What are PFAS?
PFAS are a large family of man-made chemicals used for decades in nonstick, waterproof and stain-resistant products. They’re called “forever chemicals” because they break down extremely slowly and can accumulate over time. They can enter water supplies near industrial sites, airports and landfills, and the EPA has established drinking-water limits for several of them.
Where does lead come from?
Lead usually doesn’t come from the water source — it comes from the plumbing. Older homes and service lines with lead solder or fixtures can leach lead into tap water, especially where water sits in the pipes. That’s why even good municipal water can pick up lead on the way to your glass.
How do you know what’s in your water?
Start with your city’s annual water quality report (the EWG Tap Water Database is an easy place to look up your zip code). For anything plumbing-related — like lead — or for a private well, a water test is the only way to know for certain.
What reduces them at home
For drinking and cooking water, a quality reverse osmosis system is one of the most effective options for reducing a broad range of dissolved contaminants, and certified lead-reduction filtration targets lead specifically. The right setup depends on what your testing shows.
If you’re concerned about contaminants in your home’s water, request a free estimate and we’ll help you understand your options.
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Find out exactly what’s in your water with a free estimate from Crusader of Texas.
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