If you live in the East Metro of the Twin Cities, you have probably seen PFAS mentioned in news coverage. PFAS contamination is one of the largest ongoing public health water issues in the U.S., and the East Metro of Minnesota is at the center of it.
What PFAS Actually Is
PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. They are a class of more than 12,000 different synthetic chemicals used since the 1940s in non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, and food packaging. They are called "forever chemicals" because they do not break down naturally.
Why the East Metro Specifically?
The East Metro contamination is the result of decades of industrial activity tied primarily to manufacturing in the Cottage Grove and Oakdale areas. This led to the 3M East Metro PFAS Settlement, which allocated $850 million for water treatment and remediation.
What Actually Removes PFAS at Home?
Only three technologies have proven, certified PFAS removal at residential scale:
- Reverse osmosis certified to NSF/ANSI 58: The most reliable home protection.
- Activated carbon block certified to NSF/ANSI 53: Physically adsorbs PFAS molecules.
- Certified ion exchange resin: Specialized resins that target PFAS.
Standard refrigerator filters, basic pitcher filters, and water softeners do not remove PFAS.
Protect Your Family's Drinking Water
AJ Alberts installs NSF-certified PFAS filtration systems. Contact us today for a free consultation and water test.