PFAS in Arizona Water Found After New University Research

If you’ve been hearing more about PFAS lately, you’re not imagining it. These so-called “forever chemicals” are becoming a growing concern across the country, and a recent article by the University of Arizona points straight at risks most never saw coming. Scientists at the University tracked patterns others missed. What they found hits close to home for moms-to-be and those raising kids. Danger hides where trust used to be.

Water plays a vital role in shaping how safe a house feels. That concept drives everything at Complete Water Systems. A closer look changes things. Not because it scares people but because it shows exactly why the quality of your tap water matters more than most think. Your home’s safety shifts when you test what runs through pipes and everyone in your household drinks everyday.

PFAS explained: what they are and why people worry?

PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are man-made chemicals used for decades in products like firefighting foam, food packaging, nonstick cookware, and industrial manufacturing. Because nature struggles to break them down, they stick around. Water holds onto them just fine, sometimes for ages on end.

Since the environment and water struggle to break them down, the “forever chemicals” linger for many years. Arizona joins other states pushing for stricter regulations and more testing because once PFAS enter water, they can be difficult and expensive to remove.

What the Study Revealed

Not far from PFAS-contaminated water sites, scientists looked at newborn records. Where PFAS levels ran high, more preterm preterm births, low birth weight, and higher infant mortality occurred during the first year of life.

Trouble didn’t stop there - more infants died before turning one. Exposure tied closely to these outcomes.

Eight billion dollars. That is what the total cost came out to when scientists added up medical bills and wages people never earned. Not just a number - it shows how heavy the burden gets. Preventing PFAS harm early might have saved more than it would take to fix later. Health effects stick around, far past any upfront expense.

Why PFAS in Arizona Water Matters

Groundwater and treated surface water are our main water sources here in Arizona, both of which can be affected by factories, military sites, and firefighting activities. Even if your tap is in a safer area with lower PFAS levels, concerns linger and some households start testing just to drink water stress-free.

For families with little kids, pregnant women, or people concerned about lasting health effects, it matters more. Though city supplies follow today’s regulations, traces of PFAS in Arizona water still exist - something plenty of residents would rather not risk.

Can PFAS Be Removed at Home?

Finding ways to drastically lower PFAS in tap water is crucial and some methods already show success. However, not every approach hits the mark. Results come through tested systems, not guesswork.

Reverse Osmosis systems send your tap water through a membrane, effectively treating your water for point-of-use (POU) protection. Though small, these units are the best at tackling trouble right at your tap. They strip out stubborn PFAS chemicals, while also catching contaminants like chlorine and dissolved solids. Protection shows up quietly, drop by drop.

Packed with activated carbon, top-grade filters tackle PFAS - so long as they’re the right size and kept in shape. Still, performance varies widely; not all filters are created equal, and basic pitcher or refrigerator filters may fall short of meaningful protection.

What Families Can Do Next

Start by getting familiar with what’s in your tap if PFAS worries you. Lab work is needed to spot those chemicals, yet a free in-home water test can reveal valuable information about hardness, chlorine, and total dissolved solids, all of which help guide the right treatment approach.

At Complete Water Systems, we stay informed on changing regulations and emerging research so Arizona families don’t have to sort through it alone. Families in Arizona deserve clarity - no guesswork - with every glass they drink. Surprises belong elsewhere, not in faucets or safety reports. Clean, safe water should feel reassuring, not uncertain.

Have any questions about PFAS or trying to pick a water treatment option that fits your house? At Complete Water Systems, we understand it might feel tricky - our experienced team walks you through it and help is here whenever you need it.

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