How can PFAS be filtered out of drinking water? Expert advice

PFAS, also known as forever chemicals, are increasingly in the news due to their presence in drinking water and their health risks. Invisible, persistent and difficult to eliminate, they are causing considerable concern in France and Europe.
In this article, we explain what PFAS are, why they are problematic, and above all how to effectively filter PFAS from drinking water using appropriate filtration solutions.

What are PFAS and why are they dangerous?

PFAS include several thousand chemical compounds that have been in use for decades. Their extreme stability explains both their industrial usefulness and their danger.

Definition: what are PFAS?

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are synthetic chemical compounds characterised by a highly resistant carbon-fluorine bond.
This structure makes them virtually indestructible in the environment, hence their nickname of forever pollutants.

The main types are:

• PFOA
• PFOS
• PFHxS
• TFA (trifluoroacetic acid)

Why are PFAS found in drinking water?

PFAS are used in:

• food packaging
• cosmetics
• non-stick coatings
• firefighting foams
• certain industrial applications

They contaminate soil and groundwater and eventually end up in tap water, sometimes in very low concentrations, but over the long term.

Why are PFAS hazardous to health?

Numerous studies have highlighted proven health risks, including:

• hormonal disruption (thyroid)
• decreased fertility
• immune disorders
• increased risk of certain cancers

The main problem lies in their bioaccumulation: PFAS accumulate in the body without being eliminated naturally.

How can you tell if your tap water contains PFAS?

The question ‘Does my water contain PFAS?’ is now a legitimate one.

Where are PFAS found in Europe?

In Europe, PFAS have been detected in water in several regions, particularly:

• industrial areas
• areas near airports
• former chemical production sites

The Regional Health Agencies (ARS) publish data on a regular basis.

Public information: town hall, ARS, official maps

To check the quality of drinking water:

• consult your town hall website
• consult the ARS maps
• follow the publications of Radio France or the European Commission

👉 Some maps allow you to identify the presence of PFAS by municipality.

Laboratory tests

Independent analyses are available and can be carried out by laboratories.

Regarding our Ultimate Star Filter®, it has been tested on more than 3,000 litres for the main PFAS, including TFA, with very good results. Find our complete analyses.

Self-testing: limitations and advice

Home self-testing:

• provides an indication
• but is not a substitute for a complete laboratory analysis
• does not always detect all PFAS

Read more: How can you tell if your water is polluted?

What solutions are available for filtering PFAS from tap water in 2026?

It is important to distinguish between filtering and eliminating.
No domestic solution eliminates 100% of PFAS, but some do offer a significant reduction.

Brita-type filter jugs: effective against PFAS?

Filter jugs:

• often use basic activated carbon
• have a limited capacity
• are not designed for persistent pollutants

👉 Their effectiveness against PFAS is low and variable.

Tap filters

Advantages:

• easy to install

Limitations:

• contact time too short
• PFAS effectiveness uncertain

Activated carbon filters alone

Activated carbon blocks alone are more effective than granules.
They can reduce certain PFAS, provided that:

• there is sufficient contact time
• rigorous maintenance

👉 Always check the analyses provided by the manufacturer, the relevance of the laboratory that carried them out, the standards used...

Reverse osmosis systems

✔ Very effective on PFAS, BUT:
❌ High cost
❌ Significant water waste
❌ Complex installation

Star Water Filter® gravity water filters

Our gravity water filtration system:

• offers a specially designed contact time
• operates without electricity
• uses multi-layer nanofiltration cartridges
• provides a documented reduction in many pollutants, including PFAS

It is a balanced, sustainable solution that is suitable for domestic use.

Does boiling water remove PFAS?

❌ No.
Boiling water does not remove PFAS. It can even concentrate certain pollutants through evaporation.

Comparison table: effectiveness of PFAS filtration systems

How to choose a PFAS filter that suits your needs?

Selection criteria

• Type of PFAS targeted
• Desired flow rate
• Overall budget
• Ease of maintenance
• Certifications

Standards and certifications

Look for the following in particular:

• References and standards of the laboratory that carried out the analyses
• Is there NSF® certification?
• Is there European compliance (REACH) guaranteeing the safety of the materials?

⚠️ Beware of unproven claims.

Cost of effective PFAS filtration

An effective system represents:

• an initial investment
• annual maintenance costs
• but often allows you to reduce your purchase of bottled water

In the long term, the return on investment is real.

Installing a PFAS gravity filter: practical advice

• Follow the installation instructions.
• Prime your filters correctly.
• Replace the cartridges as recommended.

Maintenance: lifespan and maintenance of PFAS filters

• Keep your system clean (tanks, tap)
• Monitor the flow rate
• Follow the replacement schedule
• Store cartridges correctly when not in use

Proper maintenance ensures consistent efficiency.

Conclusion

PFAS in drinking water is a major health issue.
By learning about it, testing your water and choosing a suitable filtration system, you can significantly reduce your exposure to these persistent pollutants.

👉 Test your water
👉 Choose a documented solution
👉 Prioritise transparency and sustainability

Star Water Filter®

The technical content published on this website is written and validated by the Star Water Filter® technical team.

It is based on independent laboratory analyses, performance data from the Ultimate Star Filter® and experience gained in the design and use of gravity filtration systems.