If you've been following the news about PFAS contamination in drinking water, you're right to be concerned. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — commonly called 'forever chemicals' — have been detected in water systems across Alabama and Florida, and they don't break down naturally. The good news? The right water filter can remove them. Here's everything you need to know about choosing a PFAS water filter for your home.
What Are PFAS and Why Should Alabama & Florida Residents Care?
PFAS are a group of over 12,000 man-made chemicals that have been used since the 1940s in products like non-stick cookware, food packaging, stain-resistant fabrics, and most notably — aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) used by military bases and airports for firefighting training.
Alabama and Florida are particularly affected because of the concentration of military installations in the region. Fort Novosel (formerly Fort Rucker) near Enterprise and Daleville, NAS Pensacola, Eglin Air Force Base, Hurlburt Field, and Tyndall Air Force Base have all been linked to PFAS contamination in surrounding groundwater and municipal water supplies.
⚠️ Important: The EPA's 2024 PFAS Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) rule set enforceable limits of 4 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOA and PFOS — two of the most studied PFAS compounds. Many water systems in the Gulf Coast region have detected levels above these thresholds.
PFAS Contamination Sites Near You
If you live in any of these areas, your water may contain elevated PFAS levels:
- •Enterprise, Daleville & Ozark, AL — Near Fort Novosel, where AFFF was used extensively in aviation firefighting training
- •Pensacola & Milton, FL — Near NAS Pensacola and Whiting Field, both identified PFAS contamination sources
- •Fort Walton Beach, Destin & Niceville, FL — Near Eglin AFB and Hurlburt Field, with documented PFAS in groundwater
- •Panama City & Tyndall AFB area, FL — AFFF use at Tyndall has contaminated surrounding water sources
- •Dothan, AL — Downstream from multiple agricultural and industrial PFAS sources
- •Montgomery, AL — Maxwell AFB and Gunter Annex identified in DOD PFAS testing
- •Mobile, AL — Industrial PFAS sources and proximity to Brookley Field
Do Standard Water Filters Remove PFAS?
This is the critical question — and the answer is: most don't. Standard pitcher filters, basic carbon filters, and refrigerator filters are NOT effective at removing PFAS to safe levels. Even many whole-house filters marketed as 'multi-stage' systems lack the specific technology needed for PFAS reduction.
To effectively remove PFAS from your drinking water, you need a system that has been independently tested and certified to NSF/ANSI standards specifically for PFAS reduction. The two most effective technologies are:
- •Reverse Osmosis (RO) — Forces water through a semi-permeable membrane with pores small enough to trap PFAS molecules. The most effective method, removing 90-99% of PFAS compounds.
- •Activated Carbon Block Filtration — High-quality granular activated carbon can adsorb certain PFAS compounds, but effectiveness varies significantly by filter quality and contact time.
- •Ion Exchange Resins — Specialized resins can target specific PFAS compounds but are typically used in municipal-scale treatment.
The Best PFAS Water Filter: RainSoft Ultrefiner Elite
RainSoft's Ultrefiner Elite reverse osmosis drinking water system is our top recommendation for PFAS removal in Alabama and Florida homes. It's not just a filter — it's a multi-stage purification system that has been rigorously tested and certified to reduce PFAS along with dozens of other contaminants.
Ultrefiner Elite Certifications for PFAS
- •NSF/ANSI 42 — Reduces chlorine taste and odor, sediment, and particulates
- •NSF/ANSI 53 — Reduces health-related contaminants including lead and PFAS
- •NSF/ANSI 58 — Certified for reverse osmosis performance including TDS reduction
- •NSF/ANSI 401 — Reduces emerging contaminants like pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and herbicides
- •Tested and Certified by the Water Quality Association (WQA Gold Seal)
The Ultrefiner Elite uses a three-stage filtration process: a pre-filter to remove sediment and chlorine, the reverse osmosis membrane for PFAS and heavy contaminant removal, and a post-filter to polish taste. It installs under your kitchen sink and delivers purified water through a dedicated lead-free faucet.
💡 Tip: RainSoft of the Wiregrass is the only authorized RainSoft dealer in the region offering the Ultrefiner Elite with professional installation, a Limited Lifetime Warranty, and ongoing service support. We serve 330+ cities across Alabama, Florida, and Georgia.
How Much Does a PFAS Water Filter Cost?
The cost of a certified PFAS water filter varies depending on the system type and installation requirements. Reverse osmosis systems like the Ultrefiner Elite are an investment in your family's health that pays for itself over time — especially when you consider the cost of bottled water alternatives.
- •Eliminates the need for bottled water — the average family spends $500–$1,200/year on bottled water
- •Reduces plastic waste — a single RO system prevents thousands of plastic bottles from entering landfills
- •Protects long-term health — PFAS exposure has been linked to cancer, thyroid disease, immune suppression, and developmental issues
- •Financing available — RainSoft of the Wiregrass offers flexible financing options to fit any budget
Whole-House PFAS Protection
While a reverse osmosis system protects your drinking and cooking water, some homeowners want PFAS reduction throughout their entire home — including shower and bath water. For whole-house PFAS protection, we recommend pairing the Ultrefiner Elite with an EC5-CAB whole-house carbon filtration system, which provides additional reduction of PFAS, chlorine, and other chemicals at every faucet.
How to Get Your Water Tested for PFAS Near You
The first step to protecting your family from PFAS is knowing whether they're in your water. RainSoft of the Wiregrass offers free in-home water analysis across Enterprise, Dothan, Ozark, Troy, Pensacola, Fort Walton Beach, Panama City, Montgomery, Mobile, and 330+ other cities in Alabama, Florida, and Georgia.
Our certified water specialist will come to your home, test your water on the spot, and show you exactly what contaminants are present — including indicators of PFAS contamination. There's no cost and no obligation.
ℹ️ Did You Know? Call (334) 308-2782 or visit our PFAS contamination resource page to learn more about PFAS in your area and schedule your free water test today.
Frequently Asked Questions About PFAS Water Filters
Can boiling water remove PFAS?
No. Boiling water does not remove PFAS — it actually concentrates them as water evaporates. The only effective home treatment methods are reverse osmosis, high-quality activated carbon filtration, and ion exchange systems.
Are PFAS in well water too?
Yes. PFAS can contaminate both municipal water supplies and private wells, especially in areas near military bases, airports, and industrial sites. Well water is not regulated by the EPA, making regular testing even more important.
How do I know if my water has PFAS?
The only way to know for sure is to have your water tested. Standard municipal water quality reports may not include PFAS testing. A professional in-home water analysis from RainSoft of the Wiregrass can identify indicators of PFAS contamination and recommend the right solution.
Is reverse osmosis the best way to remove PFAS?
Yes. Independent studies and the EPA confirm that reverse osmosis is the most effective home treatment technology for PFAS removal, achieving 90-99% reduction rates for most PFAS compounds including PFOA and PFOS.
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