What PFAS are

PFAS are a large group of man-made chemicals used since the 1940s in things like non-stick pans, stain-resistant fabric, food packaging, and firefighting foam. EPA says many of them break down very slowly and can build up in people and the environment — which is why they're called "forever chemicals." CDC surveys show most people in the U.S. have been exposed to some PFAS, mostly at low levels.

What the research says about health

EPA says research is still ongoing, but peer-reviewed studies show exposure to certain levels of certain PFAS may lead to reproductive effects, developmental effects in children, an increased risk of some cancers (prostate, kidney, and testicular), a weaker immune response, hormone interference, and higher cholesterol. These are listed here as a reference; the testing described above did not detect PFAS in this water.

Where the federal rules stand

  • April 10, 2024: EPA finalized limits for six PFAS, including 4 parts per trillion each for PFOA and PFOS. Water systems must begin reporting PFAS levels to the public in 2027.
  • May 14, 2025: EPA announced it would keep the PFOA and PFOS limits and reconsider the others.
  • May 18, 2026: EPA proposed two rules: one keeps PFOA and PFOS limits with an option for systems to request until 2031 to comply; the other would rescind the limits for PFHxS, PFNA, GenX, and the mixture Hazard Index.

If you want a PFAS filter anyway

EPA says to check the package for certification to NSF/ANSI 53 or NSF/ANSI 58 for PFAS reduction. Carbon filters and reverse osmosis can both work when certified and maintained. Certification is model-specific — for example, Culligan ZeroWater's 5-stage pitcher filter is certified for PFOA and PFOS for 15 gallons, and RO systems can carry the claim under NSF/ANSI 58.

Our under-sink RO quotes list the exact model and its certification claims.

Quick questions

Has PFAS been found in Hickory Hills's water?

The City of Chicago, which treats the Lake Michigan water supplied to this system, reports non-detect results for PFAS in its 2014, 2020, and 2024 studies.

Do all water filters remove PFAS?

No. EPA says to look for certification to NSF/ANSI 53 or NSF/ANSI 58 for PFAS reduction on the package. Current certifications focus on PFOA and PFOS.

Sources

  1. City of Chicago PFAS findings — City of Hickory Hills
  2. Our Current Understanding of the Human Health and Environmental Risks of PFAS — U.S. EPA
  3. Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS): Final PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation — U.S. EPA
  4. Reducing PFAS in Your Drinking Water with a Home Filter — U.S. EPA
  5. Identifying Drinking Water Filters Certified to Reduce PFAS — U.S. EPA

This guide is general information, not medical or legal advice. Hickory Hills Water Filtration is an independent business and is not affiliated with the City of Hickory Hills. Product certifications are model-specific and can change; check the current listing before you buy.