PFAS (formerly PFOS and PFOA) stands for Per - and Polyfluorinated substances. These are known as “forever chemicals” because they resist heat, water, and grease. Some PFAS have been phased out of production. However, there is still PFAS found in many everyday consumer products like shampoo, makeup, non-stick cookware, fast food packaging, clothing, carpeting and more.

PFAS are widespread across the US. According to the Environmental Working Group, some areas have a higher PFAS concentration than others. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set the limit for PFAS in public drinking water systems at 4 parts per trillion (ppt). This legally enforceable drinking water standard will protect approximately 100 million people from six specific PFAS.

Recent water tests conducted by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) continue to find elevated levels of harmful PFAS - or forever chemicals - in drinking water. This impacts roughly one million people in North Carolina who rely on this water for drinking.

Drinking water contamination usually occurs locally. This can happen near a facility where PFAS - or products using them - are manufactured, like the Chemours Plant (formerly DuPont), located on the banks of the Cape Fear River.

In 2017, the NCDEQ mandated that Chemours clean up its production of toxic PFAS and focus on improving water quality. While levels of some PFAS, like GenX, have significantly decreased, they have not been eliminated. In fact, PFMOAA - a close cousin of GenX - has seen a major uptick.

PFMOAA, due to its composition, is not technically labeled as a PFAS and as a result, it's not as strictly regulated. The NCDEQ is working to change that.

More research is needed to determine how PFMOAA impacts humans. However, there are significant negative health-related effects of PFAS.

Public water systems are required to notify consumers if water is contaminated.

Consumers can also contact their local water supplier to ask for information on PFMOAA and GenX.* You can also request a copy of the Consumer Confidence Report. Learn more about PFAS and treatment options and view our water emergency quick reference sheet.

Reverse osmosis systems and filters containing carbon can reduce PFAS chemicals in your drinking water. Culligan currently offers an affordable water treatment solution, our Aquasential® Smart Reverse Osmosis Water System with our Total Defense cartridge. It can reduce PFOS and PFOA by 95.4% at levels up to 1,500 ppt. It also reduces over 70 other contaminants, such as lead, nitrates, and pharmaceuticals. Your current Culligan system can be retrofitted to accommodate the new equipment to eliminate PFAS. We work with third-party organizations to certify our filtration products meet industry requirements (NSF/ASNI standards) set by the WQA.

Culligan’s Bottled Water delivery also ensures safe drinking water for you and your family. Culligan's bottled water is tested regularly to meet or exceed EPA standards. We are also members of the Water Quality Association (WQA) and International Bottled Water Association (IBWA), ensuring high quality and safety for consumers.