New peer-reviewed studies have revealed that advanced PFAS treatment systems do more than remove “eternal chemicals” from drinking water.
Researchers at the Environmental Working Group (EWG) have found that these technologies also reduce levels of other dangerous pollutants and offer broader public health benefits than previously understood.
For each PFAS-fluoroalkyl – it is well known for its association between environmental persistence and cancer, immune system suppression and developmental harm.
However, the study shows that techniques designed to capture these contaminants also reduce disinfection byproducts (dbps), nitrates, and toxic metals such as arsenic and uranium.
Sydney Evans, EWG Senior Science Analyst and lead author of the study, explained:
“Advanced PFAS water treatment is a turning point that helps clean a wider mixture of pollutants and bring drinking water quality in line with today’s public health sciences.”
Beyond eternal chemicals
The study assessed water quality data from 19 US utilities and the Environmental Protection Agency’s national surveillance program.
Systems with advanced PFAS treatments such as granular activated carbon, ion exchange and reverse osmosis have seen a significant reduction in multiple contaminants.
On average, cancer-causing trihalomethane decreased by 42%, while haloacetic acid decreased by 50%. Both are DBPs formed when chlorine and other disinfectants react with organic matter during water treatment.
The results suggest that PFAS filtration offers a 2:1 advantage. It is to tackle long-standing pollutants already subject to regulation, while dealing with the urgent chemical crisis.
Unequal access creates risk
Science is promising, but access to these advanced systems remains highly unequal.
According to EWG analysis, 7% of very small water companies (sales less than 500 people) use modern filtration. By comparison, 28% of the largest utilities deploy these technologies.
This disparity makes millions of rural and low-income Americans more vulnerable to PFA, DBP and heavy metals.
Advocates warn that without eligible funds, the most at-risk communities will continue to face the highest health burden.
Larger policy images
The findings highlight the growing consensus that US water regulations must evolve. Current policies usually focus on one chemical at a time, but PFA contamination rarely occurs in isolation.
A more overall strategy addresses groups of contaminants together, reflecting actual exposure patterns.
Researchers also criticized inconsistent reports in the federal surveillance initiative, making it difficult to track co-occurring contaminants and assess the efficacy of PFAS treatments. Standardized national testing helps regulators set smarter and more protective limits.
A retreat in PFAS regulations raises concerns
This research comes at the moment of political indictment. Earlier this year, the EPA moved to weaken the restrictions on four PFAS compounds and delay compliance deadlines, despite previously establishing stronger standards.
Public health groups claim that the rollback will extend exposure in the least equipped communities to adopt PFAS treatment techniques.
Critics say these policy reversals undermine progress, just as science confirms the benefits of widespread pollution reduction.
Without consistent regulations and investment, many utilities will struggle to implement technologies that can dramatically improve drinking water quality.
Cost of inaction
Currently, only about 8% of the US water systems use filters that can remove PFA, and most Americans rely on outdated treatments.
Health interests are high. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention detected PFA in the blood of 99% of Americans, including newborns.
Even at very low doses, PFA exposure is associated with cancer, with reduced vaccine efficacy and impaired fetal development.
Researchers emphasize that investments in PFAS treatments provide extraordinary returns. By removing multiple dangerous chemicals simultaneously, communities can protect vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly, while reducing the risk of cancer and other chronic diseases.
Towards safer drinking water
EWG research highlights the need for urgent action. Here are the recommendations:
Increase funding to help small and underresourced systems install advanced filtration. Strengthen national water surveillance to better identify and address pollution. Moves to a wider range of regulations explaining co-occurring contaminants.
Experts argue that framing PFAS treatment as a narrow solution will overlook the big picture. These technologies represent turning points in water safety and could bring us drinking water in line with modern public health sciences.
A moment of opportunity
PFA is one of the most challenging pollutants of our time, but the latest findings show that solving this crisis could bring about unexpected benefits.
By tackling eternal chemicals, advanced treatment reduces the long-standing threat that is already known to harm your health.
For millions of Americans, cleaner and safer water is within reach when policymakers, regulators and utilities seize opportunities.
With smarter investments and stronger protection, PFAS treatments can change not only how one toxic chemical deals with, but also how they protect drinking water for future generations.
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