Purchasing a home is an opportunity to systematically assess and address drinking water safety, including PFAS. Establishing a comprehensive PFAS water safety plan during the home-buying process or shortly after purchase sets a strong foundation for long-term protection.
Step 1: Identify Your Water Source
Determine whether the home is served by a municipal water system or a private well. Municipal system customers can access the utility’s Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) and current monitoring data for PFAS. Well water requires independent laboratory testing — use EPA Method 533 or 537.1 for comprehensive PFAS analysis. This baseline establishes whether PFAS contamination is present and at what concentrations.
Step 2: Research Local Contamination History
Investigate whether the property is near known PFAS sources: military installations, airports, industrial facilities using fluorochemicals, or landfills. State environmental agency databases, EPA’s PFAS Analytic Tools, and EWG’s Tap Water Database provide geographic information on known contamination areas. Proximity to sources identifies whether proactive testing and treatment is warranted even if current results are below detection limits.
Step 3: Select and Install Appropriate Filtration
Based on test results and local contamination context, select a certified filtration system sized for your household’s water use and the detected PFAS compounds. For new homeowners with no current detection but proximity to contamination sources, a certified point-of-use system as a precautionary measure is prudent. Document the system’s installation date and set up a replacement schedule immediately.
Step 4: Establish Ongoing Monitoring
Annual PFAS testing of source water and periodic post-filter verification testing maintains situational awareness as contamination patterns can change over time. For well owners in PFAS-affected areas, twice-yearly testing is advisable. Keeping records of all test results provides important documentation of your household’s water quality history.