Removing PFAS from Drinking Water

Removing PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) from drinking water has become a critical concern due to the potential health risks associated with these persistent and harmful chemicals. PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals that have been widely used in various industrial and consumer products for their water and grease-resistant properties. But Aquarius Water Conditioning has a solution – a reverse osmosis water treatment system from Kinetico.

Reverse Osmosis: An Overview

Reverse osmosis (RO) systems are highly effective water treatment technologies that can efficiently remove a wide range of contaminants, including PFAS, from drinking water. PFAS are persistent and potentially harmful compounds that have become a significant concern due to their widespread presence in water sources.

Reverse osmosis gets rid of PFAS by using a semipermeable membrane. Not only does the membrane block PFAS, it also gets rid of other impurities. RO systems apply pressure to water. This pressure forces water through the membrane, leaving PFAS molecules and other contaminants on the other side while only letting pure water through.

Removing PFAS with RO Systems

Here’s a quick look at how Kinetico RO systems remove PFAS.

• Membrane pore size – The semipermeable membrane used in RO systems has extremely small pores, typically in the range of 0.0001 micrometers. These pores are smaller than most contaminants, including PFAS molecules, allowing water molecules to pass through while blocking larger contaminants.
• Size exclusion – PFAS molecules are relatively large, especially when compared to water molecules. As water is forced through the RO membrane, the small water molecules can pass through the pores, while PFAS molecules are effectively excluded from the purified water.
• Rejecting contaminants –  The semipermeable membrane acts as a barrier that rejects the passage of PFAS molecules, other contaminants, and impurities. As a result, the purified water that emerges on the other side of the membrane is free from PFAS and a wide range of other pollutants.

Advantages of RO Systems for PFAS Removal

These are just a few of the benefits of using a Kinetico RO system to get rid of PFAS.

High Removal Efficiency

Reverse osmosis systems have an impressive removal efficiency for a broad spectrum of contaminants, including PFAS. They can typically achieve removal rates of 90% or higher, ensuring that the purified water meets or exceeds water quality standards.

Comprehensive Solution

RO systems offer a comprehensive approach to water treatment by effectively removing not only PFAS but also other contaminants such as bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, and other organic and inorganic substances.

Point-of-Use and Point-of-Entry Applications

RO systems come in various sizes and capacities, making them suitable for both individual tap (point-of-use) and whole-house (point-of-entry) applications. This flexibility allows users to address PFAS concerns at the appropriate scale.

Maintenance and Monitoring

Regular maintenance, including changing the RO membrane and pre-filters, is necessary to ensure optimal performance. Monitoring water quality and pressure is important to catch any issues early.

Reverse osmosis systems are a powerful and effective solution for removing PFAS and a wide range of contaminants from drinking water. By utilizing a semipermeable membrane and size exclusion principles, RO systems provide communities, households, and individuals with a reliable method to ensure safe and clean drinking water that meets or exceeds water quality standards.

When considering an RO system for removing PFAS from drinking water, it’s important to consult with Aquarius Water Conditioning. We’ll help you determine the most suitable Kinetico system for your specific needs and to ensure proper maintenance and operation. Get in touch by contacting us online or calling 844-565-9198.