PFAS in Tap Water by State: Which States Are Most Affected?

If you’ve been working to reduce PFAS in your home, your tap water deserves a closer look. These synthetic chemicals have turned up in public water systems across the country, and even low-level daily exposure adds up in the body over years. Here is what the research says and what you can do about it.

For more on PFAS-free living, see our guide to PFAS Free Cookware and PFAS free camping gear.

What the research says about PFAS in drinking water

Studies published in peer-reviewed environmental health journals confirm that PFAS exposure from drinking water adds to your total body burden. The liver and kidneys process these chemicals, but PFAS build up faster than the body can clear them. A 2023 USGS survey found PFAS in roughly 45% of U.S. tap water samples. Filtering your water is one of the more effective ways to cut that exposure.

Which states have the highest PFAS levels?

PFAS contamination in public water supplies varies a lot by location. States with heavy industrial activity, military bases, or legacy manufacturing sites tend to have higher detection rates. Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, and California have reported some of the highest PFAS levels in municipal water testing. The EPA’s federal PFAS drinking water limits (finalized in 2024) set enforceable maximums for six PFAS compounds, but not all states have finished testing.

Check your local water utility’s annual Consumer Confidence Report, or search the EWG Tap Water Database to see what has been reported near you. The PFAS Free Life Database also lists verified water filters and other clean products.

How to filter PFAS from your tap water

Not all water filters remove PFAS. You want filters certified to NSF/ANSI Standards 53 or 58, which specifically cover PFAS reduction. The most effective household options include:

1. Reverse osmosis systems that push water through a semi-permeable membrane, removing up to 99% of PFAS
2. Activated carbon block filters certified for PFAS reduction (granular carbon alone is less effective)
3. Under-sink or countertop units from brands that publish independent lab results for PFAS removal

The Aquasana Claryum 3-Stage Max Flow Under Sink Filter is a solid option that reduces lead, PFAS, and microplastics, and is popular with families making the switch.

Practical steps to reduce PFAS exposure at home

Filtering your water is probably the single highest-impact change you can make. After that, focus on cookware and food packaging, then branch out from there:

• Install a PFAS-certified water filter for your primary drinking water source
• Replace cookware with fluorine-based coatings as it wears out, rather than all at once
• Store food in glass or stainless steel instead of plastic or coated containers
• Use our guide to PFAS free food storage bags for the kitchen
• Check cookware safety in our PFAS free cookware guide

You don’t need to overhaul everything at once. Swap products as they wear out, and use the PFAS Free Life Database to find replacements when you’re ready.

Frequently asked questions

Does all tap water in the U.S. contain PFAS?

No. But a 2023 USGS study found PFAS in about 45% of samples tested. Contamination levels depend on local industrial activity, proximity to military bases, and wastewater treatment infrastructure. The safest move is to check your local water report and install a certified filter if PFAS show up.

How do I know if my tap water has PFAS?

Start with your water utility’s annual Consumer Confidence Report. You can also order a certified lab test through companies like SimpleLab or Tap Score, which test for dozens of individual PFAS compounds. The EWG Tap Water Database is another free resource that aggregates testing data by zip code.

Can I test my home water for PFAS?

Yes. Certified lab kits from companies like SimpleLab let you collect a sample and mail it in. Results typically come back within two weeks. If you are on a private well, testing is especially important since well water is not covered by the EPA’s new PFAS limits. Your state health department may offer low-cost testing programs as well.