What's Really in Your Water? PFAS and Microplastics Explained
When most people think about water quality problems, they picture iron stains, hard water, or the familiar rotten egg smell caused by sulfur. While those issues are common throughout East Texas, two newer concerns have been receiving increasing attention: PFAS and microplastics.
So, what are they? Can they affect well water? And what can homeowners do to reduce their exposure?
Let's take a closer look.
What Are PFAS?
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a large group of man-made chemicals that have been used since the 1940s in products designed to resist heat, water, grease, and stains.
They've been found in items such as:
Non-stick cookware
Waterproof clothing
Food packaging
Stain-resistant carpets and furniture
Firefighting foam
Some industrial manufacturing processes
Because these chemicals break down very slowly, they're often called "forever chemicals." Over time, PFAS can move through soil into groundwater or enter lakes and rivers that supply drinking water.
Can PFAS Be Found in Well Water?
Yes—but not every private well contains PFAS.
The likelihood depends on what's nearby. Wells located near industrial facilities, military bases, airports where firefighting foam has been used, landfills, or areas with historical contamination may have a greater chance of PFAS entering groundwater.
Most private wells in East Texas have never been tested for PFAS, so the only way to know for certain is through laboratory testing.
What Are Microplastics?
Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic that measure less than five millimeters in size. They form as larger plastic products break down over time or are manufactured at very small sizes.
Scientists have detected microplastics in:
Bottled water
Municipal drinking water
Rivers and lakes
Rainwater
Groundwater
Oceans
Research into their long-term health effects is ongoing, but many homeowners prefer to reduce their exposure whenever practical.
Can Well Water Contain Microplastics?
Although private wells are generally protected from many surface contaminants, microplastics can still find their way into groundwater through runoff, wastewater, degrading plastics, and environmental pollution.
The amount varies greatly depending on local conditions, making testing the best way to understand your specific water quality.
How Can These Contaminants Be Removed?
Not every water filter removes PFAS or microplastics effectively.
Some of the most effective treatment technologies include:
Reverse Osmosis (RO)
A high-quality reverse osmosis system is one of the most effective options for reducing many PFAS compounds while also reducing microplastics and numerous other dissolved contaminants. These systems are commonly installed under the kitchen sink to provide purified drinking and cooking water.
Activated Carbon Filtration
Properly designed activated carbon systems can reduce many PFAS compounds and also help improve taste and odor. Performance depends on the specific PFAS compounds present and the design of the filtration system.
Sediment Filtration
Sediment filters can capture many larger particles, including some microplastics, but they are not designed to remove dissolved PFAS chemicals.
The best treatment solution depends on your water source, water chemistry, and any laboratory test results.
Should You Be Worried?
The good news is that not every water supply contains concerning levels of PFAS or microplastics.
If you're on municipal water, your utility may conduct testing in accordance with applicable regulations and publish water quality reports. If you're on a private well, routine testing is your responsibility, and it's the best way to understand what's in your water.
If you're already treating common issues like iron, sulfur, or hard water, it may also be worth discussing whether additional filtration for drinking water would benefit your household.
We're Here to Help
At Russell Custom Water Systems, we help homeowners throughout East Texas understand their water and choose treatment systems based on their specific needs—not a one-size-fits-all solution.
Whether you're concerned about iron, sulfur, hard water, bacteria, PFAS, or microplastics, we'll help you determine the right approach through water testing and customized treatment recommendations.
If you have questions about your water or are interested in improving the quality of the water your family drinks every day, contact Russell Custom Water Systems. Clean, safe, great-tasting water starts with understanding what's in your water.
