Lead & PFAS in Your Water? RO Might Be the Answer

Introduction

Clean, safe drinking water is essential for maintaining good health. However, many households across the U.S. are unknowingly exposed to harmful contaminants like lead and PFAS (per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These toxic substances can enter your water supply through old plumbing, industrial pollution, or municipal treatment limitations. Fortunately, reverse osmosis (RO) water filtration systems offer a powerful solution. But can an RO system truly remove lead and PFAS? Let’s explore how these systems work and their effectiveness against these dangerous contaminants.

What Are Lead and PFAS?

Lead is a toxic metal that can leach into water from aging pipes, solder, and plumbing fixtures. Even small amounts of lead can cause severe health issues, especially in children, such as developmental delays, learning disabilities, and neurological damage.
PFAS, often referred to as "forever chemicals," are man-made compounds found in products like non-stick cookware, firefighting foam, and water-repellent fabrics. PFAS persists in the environment and the human body, and long-term exposure has been linked to cancer, immune dysfunction, and hormonal disruption.

How Reverse Osmosis Works

Reverse osmosis is a multi-stage filtration process that removes contaminants by pushing water through a semi-permeable membrane with pores as small as 0.0001 microns, leaving behind only pure water molecules. Here's how it typically works:
Pre-filters remove sediment, chlorine, and larger particles.
RO membrane blocks microscopic impurities, including heavy metals and chemicals.
Post-filters polishes the water for better taste and quality.
This system effectively separates contaminants from the water, leaving you with cleaner, safer drinking water.

Can RO Systems Remove Lead and PFAS?

Yes. Reverse osmosis systems are among the most effective home water filtration solutions for removing both lead and PFAS.
Lead Removal: RO membranes can remove up to 99% of leadfrom drinking water, providing a safe solution  for households concerned about the negative impact aging infrastructure may have on their water.
PFAS Removal: RO systems have been proven to reduce over 90% of many common PFAScompounds. This makes them a top choice for families seeking protection from forever chemicals.

Why It Matters for Your Family

Exposure to lead and PFAS can have long-lasting health consequences. While municipal water treatment plants are responsible for basic water safety, they don't always eliminate every harmful contaminant. The RO system adds a critical layer of defense right at the point of use, ensuring your family has access to clean, healthy water every day.

What to Look for in a Reverse Osmosis System

When shopping for an RO system, consider the following features:
● Filtration Performance:  While many traditional RO systems use 5+ individual stages, some modern systems achieve comparable results with fewer composite filters. Look for systems that that can reduce key contaminants like lead, chlorine, fluoride, and more.
● Ease of Installation: Choose models that are easy to install under your sink.
● Filter Replacement: Look for systems with accessible, long-lasting filters.
Recommended options include full-featured, under-sink RO systems like PDR-100RO as well as space-saving models for smaller households or apartments. Despite its streamlined 3-stage setup, it uses advanced composite filters to deliver high performance in a smaller footprint.

Conclusion

Reverse osmosis systems are a reliable and effective solution for removing dangerous contaminants like lead and PFAS from your drinking water. With the right system in place, you can protect your health and enjoy peace of mind with every sip.