PFAS in Arizona: What Families Need to Know About “Forever Chemicals"

If you’ve lived in Arizona long enough, you already know our water can come with a few surprises: hard water, high TDS, chlorine, you name it. But there’s a newer topic a lot of homeowners are hearing about lately: PFAS, also called “forever chemicals.”

And while it sounds scary, the goal of this guide isn’t to overwhelm you — it’s to help you understand what’s going on with Arizona water, what the state is doing, and what you can do at home to keep your family safe. At Complete Water Systems, we believe the more you know, the more confident you feel about the water your family uses every day.

What Are PFAS (and Why Are People Talking About Them)?

PFAS are man-made chemicals found in things like nonstick pans, firefighting foam, stain-resistant fabrics, and fast-food wrappers. They’re extremely good at resisting heat and oil — which also means they’re extremely good at staying in the environment for decades.

That’s how they earned the nickname “forever chemicals.”

Arizona is one of many states now taking PFAS seriously. Some public water systems have already begun testing, and more testing is being added over time. The goal: find PFAS in Arizona water early on and reduce exposure as much as possible.

Why PFAS in Arizona Matter for Homeowners 

Here in the desert, we rely heavily on groundwater and treated surface water. PFAS can make their way into water sources through runoff, industrial sites, firefighting areas, and even old landfills.

Even though not every water system in Arizona has PFAS concerns, many families want peace of mind, especially when it comes to drinking water. The truth is, PFAS can’t be removed by a basic fridge filter or a simple under-sink carbon cartridge.

That’s where proper water treatment becomes important.

How PFAS Is Removed at Home

The good news? You can remove PFAS effectively — you just need the right technology. Two systems are proven to reduce PFAS levels:

1. RO Systems

Reverse osmosis systems are one of the strongest household protections against PFAS. It forces water through a high-quality membrane fine enough to separate out tiny contaminants — including many PFAS compounds. This works for drinking and cooking water right at your faucet.

2. Granular Activated Carbon (GAC)

The same type of high-grade carbon used in whole-home filtration can help reduce PFAS as well. It’s not a replacement for RO, but it’s a great addition for families wanting whole-home coverage.

At Complete Water Systems, we help Arizona homeowners choose the best setup based on their water source, test results, and family needs. Whatever solution you choose, we want you to feel confident that your water is protected. 

Should You Test Your Water for PFAS?

PFAS testing is not part of a standard hardness or TDS test. It requires a special type of lab test, but we can guide you if you want to pursue it or need help understanding your area’s water reports.

Even if PFAS is not a concern in your neighborhood, a simple free water test can still tell you a lot about hardness, chlorine, TDS, and overall water quality.

Arizona Water Is Always Changing

Between drought planning, new water sources, construction growth, and updated state testing, Arizona’s water story changes often. You don’t need to keep up with every news update. That’s what we’re here for. Our team stays informed and makes sure Arizona families understand the things that actually matter inside their homes.

If you’ve been wondering about PFAS or you’re just curious about the quality of your drinking water, we’re here to help. Your family deserves clean, safe, great-tasting water and we’re here to make that simple.

Have questions? Want a free water test? Reach out anytime. We love helping Arizona families feel confident about their water.

Contact Us