PFAS "Forever Chemicals" in the Great Lakes: Should You Worry?

What Are PFAS and Why Are They Called "Forever Chemicals"?

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of human-made chemicals that have been widely used in industrial and consumer products since the 1950s. They're called "forever chemicals" because they don't break down naturally in the environment or in the human body—once released, they persist indefinitely.

PFAS are incredibly useful in manufacturing because they repel water and oil. This makes them ideal for applications like non-stick cookware (Teflon), waterproof textiles and coatings, fire-fighting foams, food packaging, and industrial processes. However, their widespread use has led to widespread environmental contamination that we're only now fully understanding.

How PFAS Enters Water Sources

PFAS contamination comes from multiple sources. Industrial facilities that manufacture or use PFAS release them through wastewater. Airports and military bases use PFAS-containing fire-fighting foam (aqueous film-forming foams, or AFFF) for aviation fuel fires, and this foam contaminates groundwater. Landfills leachate contains PFAS from disposed products. Food packaging, textiles, and other consumer products can leach PFAS when discarded.

PFAS are highly mobile in groundwater and water systems. Once released, they spread through water supplies, and conventional water treatment methods don't remove them effectively. This is why PFAS has been called an emerging contaminant crisis by the EPA, CDC, and state environmental agencies.

PFAS in the Great Lakes Region

The Great Lakes region, including Rochester's Lake Ontario source water, has documented PFAS contamination in multiple locations. A study by the Department of Defense in 2020 identified PFAS at military installations and airports in New York State. The Rochester International Airport (now Greater Rochester International Airport) is located near our drinking water source, and contamination from airport fire-fighting foam has been a concern.

Municipal water systems in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Ohio have detected PFAS above the EPA's newly established Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs). While Rochester Water Authority has not publicly reported PFAS detections above EPA limits in the municipal supply, the presence of PFAS in Lake Ontario and regional water sources is documented.

The New EPA Standards (2024)

In June 2024, the EPA established the first-ever federal drinking water standards for PFAS, a major regulatory shift. The EPA set enforceable Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for six PFAS compounds:

• PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid): 4 ppt (parts per trillion)
• PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonic acid): 4 ppt
• PFNA (perfluorononanoic acid): 10 ppt
• PFHxS (perfluorohexane sulfonic acid): 10 ppt
• PFBS (perfluorobutane sulfonic acid): 2,000 ppt
• GenX (HFPO-DA): 10 ppt

These MCLs are extraordinarily strict (parts per trillion is a microscopic concentration), reflecting the EPA's assessment that PFAS poses serious health risks even at very low exposures. Water systems must begin testing and compliance in 2025-2026.

Health Effects and Risks

The health research on PFAS is still developing, but evidence shows concerning effects even at low exposures:

• Liver damage: Elevated liver enzymes and damage observed in animal studies and occupational exposure cases.
• Immune system suppression: Studies show reduced antibody responses to vaccines and increased infection risk in people with elevated PFAS exposure, particularly children.
• Thyroid problems: Thyroid disease and hormonal disruption linked to PFAS exposure.
• Cancer: PFOA and PFOS are probable carcinogens. Animal studies show kidney, liver, and testicular cancer at lower doses. Human epidemiological studies show increased kidney and testicular cancer in heavily exposed populations.
• Pregnancy complications: Reduced birth weight and pre-eclampsia associated with elevated PFAS in maternal serum.
• Developmental effects: Delayed developmental milestones and behavioral changes in children exposed to PFAS in utero.

What's particularly concerning about PFAS is that there's no known safe level of exposure, and the effects are often irreversible.

Is Rochester Water Contaminated with PFAS?

As of 2026, Rochester Water Authority has not publicly reported PFAS contamination above the EPA's new MCL standards in the municipal water supply. However, PFAS has been detected in Lake Ontario at low levels, and trace amounts may occasionally be present in Rochester water. Municipal testing for PFAS is relatively new and may not yet be comprehensive.

The more important question is: do you have exposure to PFAS from other sources? PFAS in older non-stick cookware, water-resistant textiles, food packaging, and other consumer products can be ingested. Well water in areas near airports, military bases, or contaminated sites may have higher PFAS levels. If you're concerned about PFAS specifically, testing is warranted.

Which Filtration Methods Remove PFAS?

Not all water filters remove PFAS. Standard carbon filters are largely ineffective because most PFAS compounds don't adsorb well to regular activated carbon. Here's what actually works:

Activated Carbon (Specific Types): Some specialized activated carbons, particularly granular activated carbon (GAC) media used in certain whole-house systems, can remove some PFAS compounds, especially longer-chain PFAS. However, effectiveness varies by PFAS type and water chemistry. This is not a reliable solo solution.

Reverse Osmosis (RO): Highly effective at removing PFAS. RO systems force water through a semi-permeable membrane that blocks PFAS molecules along with other contaminants. Multiple studies confirm 95-99% removal rates for PFOA and PFOS. Cost: $300-1,500 for point-of-use systems, $2,000-4,000 for whole-house.

Ion Exchange Resins: Specialized ion exchange media can be effective for certain PFAS compounds, particularly when combined with other treatment methods. Used in some industrial systems but less common in residential applications. Cost: $1,500-3,000+ whole-house.

Combination Systems: For maximum PFAS removal, combining RO with specialized activated carbon or ion exchange media provides redundancy and higher removal rates. Cost: $2,500-4,000+ installed.

What Doesn't Work for PFAS

• Standard pitcher filters (Brita, PUR): Minimal PFAS removal
• Boiling: PFAS don't volatilize; boiling actually concentrates them
• Chlorination or UV: These disinfection methods don't affect PFAS
• Standard whole-house carbon filters: Not designed for PFAS removal

Should You Worry About PFAS in Rochester?

Whether you should invest in PFAS-specific filtration depends on your situation:

If you have municipal water: Your risk is lower than in heavily contaminated areas, but PFAS detection in Great Lakes water suggests long-term concern. If you're particularly health-conscious or have vulnerable family members (young children, pregnant women), a reverse osmosis system at the kitchen sink provides excellent protection.

If you have well water: Test specifically for PFAS, especially if your property is near an airport, military base, or industrial facility. If PFAS is detected, RO filtration or an ion exchange system is recommended.

If you're in an area with known PFAS contamination: RO filtration is essential. Local water authority websites often list known contamination areas.

The Practical Path Forward

PFAS is a serious emerging issue, but you have effective options. Start with knowledge: test your water (or ask your water authority for their PFAS test results). If PFAS is present or if you're concerned about long-term exposure, a reverse osmosis drinking water filter provides excellent protection at reasonable cost.

For Rochester residents on municipal water, we typically recommend an under-sink RO system for the kitchen ($400-700 installed) combined with the existing whole-house carbon filter for chlorine and taste issues. This provides comprehensive protection against PFAS, lead, and other contaminants in drinking water.

Our team can test your water for PFAS and discuss the most cost-effective filtration approach for your home. Schedule a free water test today, and we'll identify whether PFAS or other contaminants are a concern in your specific water source.