What PFAS Is
PFAS is a broad category of thousands of manufactured chemical compounds that have been used for decades in products like non-stick cookware, water-resistant fabrics, firefighting foam, and some industrial processes. They're sometimes called "forever chemicals" because many of them break down very slowly in the environment. Because PFAS is a large family of compounds rather than a single substance, monitoring and treatment approaches generally look at multiple compounds together.
What Charlotte Water's Monitoring Shows
According to Charlotte Water's 2022 Drinking Water Quality Report, the utility monitors for more than 70 PFAS compounds, and the results show low or non-detect levels. Charlotte Water draws its supply from Mountain Island Lake and Lake Norman and disinfects with chloramine; the full detail on sampling methods, specific compounds tested, and results is in the report itself at charlottenc.gov/Water/Water-Quality, which is the authoritative source rather than any secondhand summary, including this one.
Why Well Owners Should Test
Private wells are not monitored or treated by a utility, so PFAS (and other contaminants) in well water depend entirely on the local groundwater and any nearby sources of contamination. If you're on a well, testing is the only way to know what's actually in your water — see our well water treatment page and consider starting with a free water test.
Homeowners who live near a fairway can also use our golf course water testing guide to sort city-water questions from private- or shared-well questions without assuming that a nearby course has affected the water.
Point-of-Use Reverse Osmosis
Reverse osmosis is one of the more commonly discussed point-of-use options for PFAS reduction, since its membrane is designed to block a wide range of dissolved substances rather than target one specific compound. An under-sink RO system treats water at the tap where you drink and cook, which is usually the priority. See our reverse osmosis page for how these systems work, including NSF/ANSI 58.
Whole-House Granular Activated Carbon (GAC)
Granular activated carbon (GAC) is also discussed as a treatment approach for certain PFAS compounds, and can be configured as part of a whole house water filtration system. Performance varies by the specific PFAS compounds present, the carbon type, and contact time/flow rate through the media — which is why product certifications and testing matter more than general claims.
What Certifications to Look For
If PFAS reduction is a specific goal, look for products independently tested against a relevant NSF/ANSI standard for the compounds you're concerned about, and ask to see the manufacturer's performance data sheet rather than relying on marketing language alone. Relevant general standards include:
| Standard | Relevance |
|---|---|
| NSF/ANSI 58 | Reverse osmosis systems |
| NSF/ANSI 53 | Health-related contaminant reduction claims |
| NSF/ANSI 401 | Reduction of certain incidental/emerging compounds |
This page describes these as general standards to be aware of, not a claim that any specific product we sell is certified for a specific PFAS compound — ask us directly about current product certifications for your situation.
Getting Started
Whether you're on municipal water and want extra peace of mind, or on a well and need a baseline understanding of what's in your water, the starting point is the same: test first. Start with our free water test, and if you're comparing whole-house filtration costs as part of the decision, see our cost guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is there PFAS in Charlotte's tap water?
Charlotte Water's 2022 Drinking Water Quality Report states it monitors for more than 70 PFAS compounds and that results show low or non-detect levels. See the full report for specifics.
Do I need a PFAS filter if I'm on Charlotte Water?
Based on Charlotte Water's published monitoring results, there's no indicated need for PFAS filtration for safety. Some homeowners still choose filtration for peace of mind or because standards may evolve over time.
What filter removes PFAS?
Point-of-use reverse osmosis and granular activated carbon (GAC) are the two approaches most commonly discussed for PFAS reduction. Effectiveness varies by specific compound, product, and system design — check independent testing data for any product you're considering.
Does a standard carbon whole-house filter remove PFAS?
It depends on the carbon type, contact time, and which PFAS compounds are present. Not all carbon filtration is tested or certified specifically for PFAS, so check product documentation rather than assuming.
Should well owners worry about PFAS?
Private wells aren't monitored by a utility, so testing is the only way to know what's present. See our well water treatment page and consider a free water test.
Can reverse osmosis fully remove PFAS?
RO is one of the more effective general approaches discussed for PFAS reduction because its membrane targets a broad range of dissolved substances, but results vary by specific compound and system. See our reverse osmosis page.
What certifications should I look for in a PFAS filter?
Look for independent testing against a relevant NSF/ANSI standard (such as 53, 58, or 401) for the specific compounds you're concerned about, and ask for the manufacturer's performance data sheet.