If PFAS are found in your water, there are common water filters that do a good job of removing them. If the total PFAS concentration in your water is 200 ppt or less, we recommend using an under-sink, activated carbon block filter. These types of filters have been shown to work well for removing PFAS from private well water and treated tap water in real world tests. They have also been shown to be effective at levels above 200 ppt of total PFAS during lab tests, but they have not been tested as extensively for well water at higher levels.
If the sum of all PFAS in your water is above 200 ppt, we recommend using a reverse osmosis filter. Reverse osmosis filters have been tested in the lab and have been shown to successfully remove up to 5,600 ppt of total PFAS. Make sure to use a filter that is certified to remove PFAS by a trusted source like NSF International (NSF), the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAMPO), or the Water Quality Association (WQA).
Look on the product packaging or in specifications online (look for the “performance data sheet” in the owner’s manual or installation guide) for the certification information. Make sure it specifically says that it removes PFOA and PFOS and that it is certified according to one of these three certifications:
- NSF P473
- NSF/ANSI 53 (for activated carbon filters)
- NSF/ANSI 58 (for reverse osmosis filters)
Below are two recommendations for certified products, but there are other options that work well, too. This research is not sponsored or supported by any filter companies; these are just examples. The best choice will depend on your particular situation. Staff from our research team can help answer questions about filters and other concerns. For more information on filters, visit our
Best use: Households with less than 200 ppt of total PFAS.
- This is an under-sink filter that treats the full flow of cold water from your existing faucet. You can easily install it yourself with only very basic tools. It is very simple to maintain and has been shown to be effective at removing PFAS from well water.
- Up front cost: $100
- Filter components requiring maintenance/regular replacement: 1
- Time between filter cartridge replacements: 6 months
- Cost of filter replacement: $70
- Estimated annual maintenance cost: $140
- Available at: bit.ly/ao-mf-adv
Best use: Households with more than 200 ppt of total PFAS.
- This is an under-sink filter that directs water to a separate, dedicated faucet at your kitchen sink. Reverse osmosis filters require a large pressure tank which takes up some space underneath the sink and also require a connection to the wasteline. For this reason, installing a reverse osmosis filter might require a plumber’s help. Reverse osmosis is also more expensive, requires more maintenance, and uses more water, but it has been shown to be extremely effective at removing high amounts of PFAS.
- Up front cost: $225
- Filter components requiring maintenance/regular replacement: 4
- Time between filter cartridge replacements: Pre-filters - 6 months; Membrane and remineralization cartridge – 12 months
- Cost of filter replacement: Pre-filters - $65; Membrane - $60; Remineralization cartridge - $40
- Estimated annual maintenance cost: $230
- Available at: bit.ly/optimh20
For a PDF version of this page, visit the Dealing With PFAS In Your Drinking Water Flyer.