Minnesotans are increasingly concerned about their drinking water. With noteworthy water contaminations grabbing news headlines, it’s not hard to see why. If you’re wondering what PFAS and other contaminants are, you’ve come to the right place.
A.J. Alberts Plumbing has treated water quality issues for decades, and we’re committed to providing safe water solutions for homeowners across the Twin Cities metro area. Read on for more information about PFAS contamination and what you can do about it.
What Does PFAS Stand For?
PFAS means per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. They include lesser-known chemicals like PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) and PFOS (perfluorooctanesulfonic acid).
What Are PFAS Chemicals and Why Are They Harmful?
PFAS are the so-called “forever chemicals” used in everything from non-stick cookware to firefighting foam to water-repellent fabrics to cosmetic products. PFAS were introduced in the 1950s and have been used in consumer products ever since. They’re man-made and highly resistant to degradation, hence the “forever” nickname—and why they’re so difficult to remove from the environment once introduced. Because they don’t break down easily, they accumulate in soil, water, and even organisms—including humans.
PFAS chemicals build up in the body, leading to:
- Increased cancer risk
- Reproductive issues
- Developmental effects in children
- Diminished immune system
- Hormone disruption
- Altered metabolism
- Decreased bone density
- Liver disease
While there is still much to learn about PFAS and their long-term effects on the body, researchers are concerned about how widespread PFAS are, with their extensive use across consumer products and tendency to accumulate in the body. After all, one report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), found PFAS in the blood of 97 percent of Americans. PFAS are an issue that affects all of us.
PFAS in Minnesota Water: The Local Impact
3M PFAS Pollution
Twin Cities-area residents should be particularly concerned about the effects of PFAS contamination. That’s because local manufacturer 3M has a long history of using PFAS. It even knew the chemicals were toxic all the way back in the 1970s. Despite this, it disposed of PFAS waste at its facilities in Oakdale, Woodbury, Cottage Grove, and Washington County; PFAS were discovered in the groundwater near some of these sites in 2003.
Since then, groundwater contamination has only spread across the eastern metro, covering more than 150 square miles and affecting the drinking water supplies of more than 140,000 Minnesotans. The Cottage Grove, Oakdale, and Woodbury facilities have become superfund sites, and in 2018, the state of Minnesota settled its lawsuit against 3M for $850 million for polluting drinking water. In total, 3M has agreed to pay $10.3 billion in settlements to public water suppliers nationwide that have detected PFAS in drinking water and to provide funding for water suppliers to conduct PFAS testing.
Other Pollution Sources
3M isn’t completely to blame for Minnesota’s PFAS contamination. Other common sources include:
- Landfills, which are filled with consumer products made with PFAS. As they break down, these chemicals leach into the groundwater.
- Firefighting foam. This contains PFAS and has led to higher rates of contamination where it’s commonly used, including airports, firefighter training sites, refineries, and Department of Defense facilities.
The Current State of PFAS in Minnesota
In Minnesota, 22 public water suppliers currently have PFAS levels above national limits. But many of them have plans to install PFAS removal systems in their drinking water supplies. Communities across the east metro, like Cottage Grove, Oakdale, Woodbury, Lake Elmo, Hastings, and parts of Washington County, are undergoing efforts to improve their water supply. Homeowners in these areas should take extra care to filter their home’s water for safety and peace of mind.
In addition to contaminating Minnesota’s drinking water, PFAS have also infiltrated our lakes and fish. Under the Minnesota fish PFAS advisory, fishers in Douglas, Martin, McLeod, St. Louis, Carver, Hennepin, Ramsey, Anoka, Washington, and Dakota counties, plus Lake Superior, are advised to check the DNR’s LakeFinder site to determine whether there’s a fish consumption guideline in effect for that lake. Some bodies of water have elevated levels of PFAS, mercury, or polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).
Statewide, Minnesota has developed a PFAS Blueprint, which is a coordinated strategy across agencies to prevent, manage, clean up, and phase out PFAS use by 2032. In 2022, 3M announced it would commit to ending PFAS use by the end of 2025. And in January 2025, products containing intentionally added PFAS were officially banned by the state of Minnesota.
How to Know If You’ve Been Exposed to PFAS
There are multiple ways to determine whether you’ve been exposed to PFAS, but tests aren’t always conclusive because of the time it takes for PFAS to accumulate. Here are a few of the most common methods:
- Environmental testing: Your local health department or environmental agencies may provide testing information, whether your home’s water is drawn from your local water utility or an on-site well.
- PFAS exposure blood tests: There are many tests available to consumers concerned about their PFAS exposure. It’s important to note, however, that these tests only show exposure, not any health problems you may have experienced due to exposure.
- Health questionnaire: If you’re concerned about PFAS exposure, your doctor may ask you about your work history, past residences, lifestyle, and medical history to determine whether you’ve been exposed to PFAS or whether you have medical concerns that can be attributed to PFAS.
It’s crucial to test water quality in high-risk areas and to install a whole-home water filter, like the ones we offer at A.J. Alberts Plumbing, if your water has higher-than-average exposure levels.
Water Quality Solutions for Minnesota Homeowners
Because PFAS can leach into the body through skin and direct ingestion, it’s important to filter your home’s water. Luckily, there’s a wide variety of solutions available to Minnesota homeowners. At A.J. Alberts, we’ve specialized in water quality for over 35 years, so our expert technicians can help you find the option that’s best for you. We offer:
- Whole-home water filtration systems: Whole-home filtration systems install into your existing plumbing line to provide clean water throughout your entire home. From the bathroom to the kitchen to the laundry room, whole-home systems will provide safe water from every tap and even prolong the life of your overall plumbing system. A.J. Alberts offers whole-home PFAS filtration options.
- Under-sink water filtration systems: If you want to purify only water from a specific tap, choose an under-sink water filtration system. A.J. Alberts Plumbing has multiple point-of-use PFAS filtration options available.
- Reverse osmosis: Reverse osmosis (RO) technology is available in a number of different systems, from whole-home filtration to under-sink options. RO filters provide better taste, odor, and color, so your drinking water is pure and clean.
- Whole-home carbon filters: Carbon filters remove chlorine and other chemicals, and they’re a popular choice for homeowners in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the surrounding areas.
- Iron filters: If your home relies on well water, we recommend outfitting it with a high-quality iron filter. It will treat water throughout the home, removing the discoloration and smell that comes with iron-rich water.
No matter which option you choose, it’s crucial to choose a professional plumber to install your water quality solution. This will ensure proper installation and, therefore, proper PFAS removal. At A.J. Alberts, we have decades of experience improving water quality and dealing with PFAS issues, so you can trust us to get the job done quickly, efficiently, and professionally.
Why AJ Alberts Plumbing Is Your Trusted Water Quality Partner
In the Twin Cities metro area, PFAS are a growing concern, and for good reason. Homeowners—especially those living in impacted areas—should have their water tested to determine whether PFAS are leaching into their water supply. Luckily, solutions are available.
Contact A.J. Alberts for a free water quality assessment and personalized solution from our experienced water quality experts. We have the local expertise needed to serve metro-area homeowners, and we’re always backed by our 100% satisfaction guarantee. Our plumbing professionals truly care about your family’s health—contact us to get started on a high-efficiency water filtration system and other plumbing upgrades that lead to healthier, safer water.
Give us a call to schedule your free consultation and protect your family from PFAS today!
