PFAs in water

Protecting Your Home from Forever Chemicals (PFAS) in Drinking Water

Michigan has a rich industrial history, but that legacy has brought unique challenges to our local groundwater. Today, one of the most pressing concerns for homeowners across the state is the presence of forever chemicals in drinking water.

At Besco Water Treatment, we understand the anxiety that comes with invisible water threats. With over 60 years of local expertise, we provide advanced, scientifically proven water filtration solutions to ensure your home’s water is completely clean.

If you’re ready to take the first step toward removing PFAS from your drinking water, call Besco Water Treatment or fill out our online contact form. We’ll perform a free water test to identify any contaminants in your water, then recommend solutions to remove them.

What Are PFAS and PFOA in Water?

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a massive family of synthetic chemicals used since the 1940s to make products resist heat, oil, stains, and water. When discussing this issue, you will often hear about PFOA and PFOS, which are two of the most widely used chemicals in this group.

Historically, these compounds were heavily used in non-stick cookware (like Teflon), stain-resistant fabrics, and specialized firefighting foams. In Michigan specifically, groundwater contamination has frequently been linked to historical shoe manufacturing and waterproofing industries in West Michigan, as well as firefighting foams used at local military bases.

Because their chemical bonds are incredibly strong, these substances do not break down naturally in the environment. When industrial runoff or landfill seepage occurs, PFAS in water and PFOA in water become serious common water problems.

Alongside these chemicals, Michigan water sources are also increasingly facing microplastic contamination. This occurs when tiny plastic particles degrade from consumer products and easily slip through standard municipal treatment plants.

More news reports of PFAS being detected in tap water

The Hidden Dangers for Private Well Owners

The primary danger of forever chemicals in water is bioaccumulation. Because your body cannot easily expel these microscopic substances, they build up in your system over time. The EPA has linked long-term exposure to certain PFAS to a variety of health risks, including immune system suppression, thyroid issues, and an increased risk of certain cancers.

While public water utilities are now facing strict new federal regulations to limit PFAS in municipal supplies, private well owners are entirely responsible for their own safety. If your home is on a private well, you are not subject to these municipal regulations, making proactive management essential.

Bucket of Well Water

How to Test for PFAS in Water

Because these chemicals are completely invisible, tasteless, and odorless, millions of homeowners are unknowingly consuming them. Standard hardware store test strips cannot detect complex synthetic chemicals. If you are wondering how to test for PFAS in water, the only reliable method is through certified laboratory analysis.

Besco makes this process simple. By scheduling professional water testing, our team will collect precise samples right from your tap and have them rigorously evaluated for trace amounts of PFAS, PFOA, and microplastics so you know exactly what is in your aquifer.

Does Boiling Water Remove PFAS?

It is a very common misconception that boiling water will purify it of all hazards. So, does boiling water remove PFAS?

Absolutely not. In fact, boiling your water makes the problem. Because PFAS chemicals do not evaporate, boiling the water only causes the clean H2O to turn into steam and leave the pot. This leaves you with a much higher, more dangerous concentration of forever chemicals in the remaining water. To safely remove them, you must rely on advanced physical filtration.

Proven Solutions to Remove Forever Chemicals

Basic carbon pitcher filters are simply not dense enough to consistently trap microscopic PFAS. Successfully removing these chemicals requires high-grade, certified technology. At Besco, we utilize three primary methods to remove PFAS depending on your home’s needs:

  • favicon Reverse Osmosis Systems: 

    This is the absolute gold standard for pure drinking water. By forcing water through a semi-permeable membrane at the molecular level, an RO system strips away up to 99% of contaminants—including PFAS, microplastics, and heavy metals—right at your kitchen sink. Learn more about reverse osmosis systems. 

  • favicon Granular Activated Carbon (GAC): 

    High-capacity activated carbon acts like a microscopic magnet for PFAS molecules. We integrate specialized GAC filters to capture forever chemicals while simultaneously removing chlorine and improving water taste.

  • favicon Ion Exchange Resin: 

    For high-volume, whole-house protection, we utilize specialized anion resin beads that carry a positive charge. These beads specifically attract and “trap” negatively charged PFAS molecules as they pass through the tank.

Secure Your Water Supply Today

You shouldn’t have to second-guess the safety of the water your family drinks every day. With Besco Water Treatment, you get over six decades of local Michigan expertise dedicated to solving today’s most complex water challenges.

Ready to take control of your tap water? Contact us today to schedule your consultation and find the perfect filtration system for your home!