Many people consider their drinking water to be high quality if it tastes great, is cold, and comes from a filter. But what does this mean? Is your filtered drinking water actually good for you, or are you still consuming harmful chemicals and substances like PFAS?
Earlier this year, cities around the country reported higher than acceptable levels of PFAS in tap water and drinking water sources. The numbers produced for 2020 were higher than what was reported in previous studies done by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Environmental Working Group. With that being the case, now would be a great time to invest in an Artesian Bottleless Water cooler for your office. However, we recognize that you still might have questions about filtration systems and why an Artesian water cooler is the best solution. Here is what you need to know about PFAS and how it’s safely filtered from your drinking water.
What Does PFAS Stand For?
According to the EPA, PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, which “are a group of man-made chemicals that include PFOA, PFOS, GenX, and many other chemicals.” Of these that make up the PFAS group, PFOA and PFOS are two of the most persistent and don’t break down easily in the body, allowing them to accumulate over time. This contaminant can lead to significant health problems, including increased cholesterol levels, immune system complications, thyroid hormone disruptions, and some types of cancers.
Can I Test My Water for PFAS?
With the discovery that water systems around the country have been contaminated, it’s only natural for people to want to know if their tap water or wells have been affected. With that being the case, the only sure way to tell if your water has PFAS is to hire a certified laboratory to test your water. To find out how you can have your well water or tap water tested, contact your local health officials, as the process for collecting the right sample is complicated.
Will the Filter Pitcher in My Fridge Remove PFAS?
It’s not uncommon for people to assume that all filtration systems are the same. Many homeowners and business owners think they can use the classic Brita or Pur water filter pitchers and remove all the bacteria and chemicals found in their drinking water. While these filters are pretty decent at reducing bad tastes from chlorine and other heavy metals, they do very little to remove PFAS from your tap water.
What is the Best Filtration System for PFAS?
According to the EWG, the gold standard for any in-house or in-office filtration system that removes PFAS from your drinking water is a system that uses reverse osmosis filtration. This filter works by forcing water through a membrane that traps contaminants. However, RO can be one of the most expensive systems on the market, leaving many to opt-out of such a system. With that being the case, the next best option is a filtration system that utilizes activated carbon. Artesian proudly offers both of these filtration systems for your office.
Purify Your Drinking Water Today!
Chemicals, sediments, and bacteria in your drinking water don’t exactly have you reaching for another glass of tap water. So, stop worrying about how your water is filtered and start enjoying the cold, refreshing beverage you get from an Artesian Bottleless Water cooler. Not only are you giving your employees the right hydration for their bodies, but you’re also ensuring that you don’t contribute to poor health in the workplace. To learn more about our water coolers and find one that’s right for you, check us out online or give your nearest Artesian location a call.
Photo by Albert Flamingo on Unsplash