In the UK, our awareness and efforts to combat PFAS is drastically increasing. In February 2026, the government announced its first PFAS strategy aimed to decrease the effects of PFAS on our population as well as the environment.
Before looking at removal tactics, let’s address the impact this “Forever Chemical” (as it’s commonly referred to) can have. Exposure of these compounds has been linked to an increases risk of various health issues such as:
- Various types of cancer (increases risk of liver, prostate and testicular)
- Suppression of immune system so the body is less effective at fighting infections
- Reproductive issues/decreased fertility
- Disruption to hormones – thyroid function disrupted so potential for hypothyroidism
PFAS can be found across the world and is commonly in water, clothing, food packaging, cosmetic products and non/stick cookware. These are just some of the products that PFAS has been found in, but by no means is it an exhaustive list.
They are called forever chemicals because they are notoriously resilient at breaking down in our environment as well as in our bodies. They tend to bio accumulate and remain for years. It’s not just humans – our wildlife is also susceptible to their effects just like us.
So, are there are water treatment options for PFAS?
Yes, the three we will look at are:
- Ion exchange
- Reverse osmosis
- Granular activated carbon (GAC).
Let’s start with the latter which is the most used and cost-effective for households who want to limit their PFAS Chemical exposure.
GAC (Granular Activated Carbon)
A highly effective and widely used option, the GAC method works through a process called adsorption. (The PFAS contaminants stick to the carbon surface). When the water flows through a GAC filter, the contaminants then get trapped, thereby reducing the concentration of PFAS. It’s often used in counter tops filers or whole-house tank systems. In an under the sink filter, you can benefit from less PFAS exposure in your drinking water. However, it is not the most effective method of the three. Results can vary from 50 to up to 90% of PFAS being removed. In short, GAC is great for long-chain PFAS Removal, but not so effective for the short-chain molecules.
Reverse Osmosis
The most effective would be that of Reverse Osmosis, with an estimated 90-99% of PFAS being removed. This method is great for many types of PFAS and includes both short and long-chain compounds, which gives it the edge over the activated carbon method for example. RO filters are typically going to be more costly than the other types of filters, but the payoff can really be worth it for superior levels of PFAS removal.
This one works by water going through a very dense, semi permeable membrane. Because the pores of the membrane are smaller than the PFAS molecules, only water molecules can get through so the contaminants are trapped.
Ion Exchange
Meanwhile, ion exchange resin can help combat these forever chemicals too. The resins are very small beads that attract the contaminated molecules as water passes through the water system. A common use for this process would be for groundwater (well water) but it is also seen in municipal drinking water (for public use supplied to homes).
Typically, this technology would be best used in whole-house systems whereas the reverse osmosis method is best favoured for under sink applications (point-of-use).
Have a question about PFAS? Drop us an email at enquiries@resin-products.com and we’ll be happy to help.
Summary
So, which water of the treatment options is best for getting rid of PFAS?
Well, you need to decide if you want it for the whole-house or for your drinking water as an under-sink option. Secondly, do you want the most affordable choice or the superior performance?
We can simplify the choice into this:
If you wish for your entire home to have a reduction in PFAS, then ion exchange resin will be best. For maximum levels of PFAS removal for point of use, an RP system is optimal. For those wanting a cheaper option. Activated carbon is going to best.
Take into consideration the downside of the latter is that it’s generally not as effective as an RO system for getting a wide range of PFAS types removed from drinking water.
On the Resin Products website, you can enquire about the specific PFAS Reduction Filter.