
Lake Elmo PFAS Water Filtration
Lake Elmo is inside the 3M East Metro PFAS contamination zone. AJ Alberts installs NSF-certified PFAS filtration and reverse osmosis systems built for the specific contamination profile in your area.
PFAS Zone Status
inside the 3M East Metro PFAS contamination zone. Documented PFAS detection; mix of municipal and private wells
Water Source
Mix of municipal wells and private wells. Prairie du Chien and Jordan aquifers
Active Treatment
Treatment in active implementation under 3M settlement
Service Area
Washington County. 5 miles from Woodbury.
What Is Happening With PFAS in Lake Elmo
Lake Elmo has one of the most documented contamination histories in the East Metro, with both municipal wells and private wells affected. MPCA and MDH have tracked Lake Elmo since the early 2000s.
Lake Elmo has a unique mix of municipal service in the older village core and private wells across the larger rural and semi-rural areas. Both have documented PFAS detection at varying levels. Treatment work is in active implementation.
Lake Elmo homeowners benefit from both municipal treatment expansion and point-of-use filtration. The combination provides the most complete protection.
What PFAS Does and Why It Matters
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a class of more than 14,000 manufactured chemicals used since the 1940s in non-stick cookware, water-resistant clothing, food packaging, firefighting foam, and industrial applications. They are called "forever chemicals" because they do not break down naturally and they accumulate in the human body over time. PFAS exposure is associated with elevated cholesterol, immune system effects, certain cancers (kidney, testicular), thyroid disease, and developmental effects in children. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency finalized enforceable drinking water standards for six PFAS compounds in April 2024, with maximum contaminant levels of 4 parts per trillion for PFOA and PFOS.
The compounds most commonly documented in the Lake Elmo area include PFOA, PFOS, PFBA, and PFHxS.
PFAS Filtration Options for Lake Elmo Homes
A water softener does not remove PFAS. Municipal treatment, where it exists, addresses PFAS at the city water plant. Point-of-use filtration adds a second protective layer at your tap and is recommended by MDH for maximum control.
Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water System
NSF/ANSI 58 certified RO removes up to 99 percent of PFAS along with lead, arsenic, fluoride, pharmaceuticals. Installed under your kitchen sink.
NSF-Certified Whole-Home PFAS Carbon Filtration
Activated carbon configurations certified for PFAS reduction at every tap. Protects bathing, showering, and cooking water.
Anion Exchange PFAS Filtration
Anion exchange resin targets short-chain PFAS that traditional carbon may miss. Used with carbon for the most complete coverage.
Free In-Home Water Test
We bring our test kit to your home and run a full water quality analysis. PFAS-specific lab testing available as add-on.
Recommended System for Lake Elmo
Reverse osmosis at the kitchen sink for drinking water. Whole-home PFAS-certified carbon for bathing and cooking. Private wells benefit from anion exchange as well. Free in-home testing is the starting point.
This is a starting point. The right system depends on your household, water usage, plumbing layout, budget, and water test results. We tell you what you need and what you do not.
How PFAS Filtration Installation Works in Lake Elmo
Free In-Home Water Test
30 minutes, no obligation, PFAS-specific lab testing available as add-on
Custom System Recommendation
sized to home, household, water profile, budget
Transparent Quote
flat-rate pricing, no hourly surprises
Professional Installation
licensed master plumbers, RO installs 2-3 hours, whole-home adds 2-4 hours
Ongoing Service and Filter Changes
annual checkups, filter replacement every 6-12 months on service plans
Lake Elmo Areas We Serve
We install PFAS filtration across every neighborhood in Lake Elmo, including Old Lake Elmo, Royal Oaks, Hammes Hill, Sunfish Lake area, 10th Street corridor. Same-day service available for emergencies. Service area extends throughout Washington County from our Woodbury headquarters.
Why Lake Elmo Homeowners Choose AJ Alberts
Headquartered in the PFAS Zone
Woodbury HQ
60 Years of Local Experience
Family operated since 1965
Licensed Master Plumbers
10 plumbers, 5 master plumbers
NSF-Certified Systems
NSF/ANSI 53 and 58 certified only
Free In-Home Water Test
Your actual water, not a municipal average
Lake Elmo PFAS Filtration FAQs
Is the water in Lake Elmo contaminated with PFAS?
Yes. Lake Elmo is one of the most documented cities in the 3M East Metro PFAS contamination zone. Both municipal and private wells have shown PFAS detection.
Does the city of Lake Elmo treat for PFAS?
Yes, municipal treatment is in active implementation under the 3M settlement. Private wells require point-of-use filtration.
Do I still need filtration if the city is treating water?
Many homeowners want a second protective layer at the kitchen tap. Municipal treatment reduces PFAS at the plant, but home filtration gives direct control over what you consume. MDH recommends point-of-use filtration as an additional safeguard.
What kind of filter removes PFAS?
Three NSF-certified technologies: granular activated carbon (NSF/ANSI 53 with P473 designation), reverse osmosis (NSF/ANSI 58), and ion exchange (NSF/ANSI 53). AJ Alberts installs all three.
How much does PFAS filtration cost in Lake Elmo?
Reverse osmosis under-sink systems typically install for $800 to $1,800. Whole-home PFAS-certified carbon systems range from $2,500 to $5,500 depending on capacity. Flat-rate pricing before any work starts.
Does a Brita pitcher remove PFAS?
No. Standard refrigerator and pitcher filters are not certified for PFAS removal. Only NSF-certified PFAS-rated systems remove these compounds reliably.
Will a water softener remove PFAS?
No. Softeners remove hardness minerals. PFAS removal requires NSF/ANSI 53, NSF/ANSI 58, or anion exchange filtration. Most homes benefit from both.
PFAS data for Lake Elmo:
Primary source: https://www.pca.state.mn.us/air-water-land-climate/east-metro-pfas-issue
Confidence: Verified
Last Updated: May 2026
Government PFAS resources:
AJ Alberts re-verifies all city PFAS data annually. Found an error or have a specific concern? Call 651-738-0580 for a free in-home water test.
Ready to protect your Lake Elmo home from PFAS?
Free in-home water test. Custom PFAS filtration recommendation. NSF-certified systems. Family operated since 1965.
Schedule My Free Water Test
Prefer to talk? Call 651-738-0580.
