The Truth About ‘Forever Chemicals’ In Packaged Water: Are Companies Addressing The Issue?

A recent study by Consumer Reports has thrown up some worrying statistics about the level of “forever chemicals” in bottled water. Forever chemicals – PFAS to give them their Sunday name – are a class of chemicals renowned for their persistence and resistance to breaking down in the environment or our bodies.

These chemicals have been linked to various health conditions, many of which are serious and represent threats that most people would never knowingly expose themselves to. Still, many unknowingly do so every time they buy certain brands of bottled water, including many of the top brands.

Let’s dive into the problem of forever chemicals in bottled water; we will discuss what waters to avoid, and what companies are doing to combat the situation, as well as discussing safe alternatives that are certified free of forever chemicals.

Forever Chemicals: What Are PFAS?

Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, better known as PFAS, are a class of man-made chemicals that have been in widespread use since the 1940s. Their unique properties, specifically their high resistance to water, oil, and heat, make them incredibly versatile. This versatility has led to their use in a wide range of applications.

Most people are familiar with the use of PFAS in non-stick cookware, but their applications extend far beyond the kitchen. They're also found in waterproof clothing, firefighting foams, food packaging, and stain-resistant fabrics. This broad range of uses has led to the widespread and indiscriminate dispersal of these 'forever chemicals' into our environment, including our water sources.

Worryingly, we don’t yet fully understand the full consequences of this dispersal, but among the health concerns are:

Cancer: Studies have shown a probable link between PFAS exposure and kidney and testicular cancer

Thyroid Disease: PFAS can interfere with the body's natural hormones, leading to diseases like hypothyroidism

Hormone Disruption: PFAS can disrupt the body's natural hormonal balance, leading to a variety of health issues

This is a concerning list, and it's by no means exhaustive; it's clear that we should strive to avoid exposure to these 'forever chemicals'. However, as the aforementioned Consumer Reports study shows, doing so is easier said than done.

How Bad Is the Forever Chemicals Problem in Bottled Water?

Unfortunately, the Consumer Reports study does not make happy reading for lovers of bottled water.

The report found detectable levels of PFAS in many top brands, with sparkling water products being particularly susceptible; the problem is further complicated by the lack of consensus on what constitutes a safe level of PFAS.

The federal government has issued voluntary guidance, suggesting that the combined levels of two specific PFAS compounds should be below 70 parts per trillion (ppt). However, some experts argue that the safe level for total PFAS should be much lower, at around 1 ppt. This wide disparity underscores our limited understanding of the potential dangers of these 'forever chemicals.’

Given these uncertainties, it's alarming to see the PFAS levels in some popular brands of sparkling water:

Brand Name

Product

PFAS Level (ppt)

Perrier

Natural sparkling mineral water

1.1

La Croix

Natural sparkling water

1.16

Canada Dry

Lemon lime sparkling seltzer water

1.24

Poland Spring

Zest lime sparkling water

1.66

Bubly

Blackberry sparkling water

2.24

Polar

Natural seltzer water

6.41

Topo Chico

Natural mineral water

9.76

These figures may all fall within the “suggested” limits, but all are outliers if we consider the 1 ppt figure other experts recommend. To reiterate, we simply don’t know enough about the long-term effects of PFAS.

How Are Companies Addressing the Issue of Forever Chemicals in Water?

If you look at the PFAS-Central guide to PFAS-Free products, the absence of any bottled water companies on the list is notable. The issue at hand is that without a clear consensus or legislation on what constitutes a safe PFAS level, there's a lack of motivation for these companies to tackle the problem. The absence of bottled water brands from the list further underscores the industry's slow response to the PFAS issue.

Still, there is some hope on the horizon. Some companies are starting to take action, investing in advanced treatment technologies and/or changing their sourcing practices to ensure their water is free of PFAS. For instance, some companies are:

Using Activated Carbon Treatment: This process can effectively remove PFAS from water. It involves passing the water through activated carbon, which attracts and traps the PFAS molecules

Implementing Reverse Osmosis Systems: Reverse osmosis can also be effective at removing PFAS. In this process, water is forced through a membrane that blocks the PFAS molecules

Sourcing Water From Areas With Low PFAS Contamination: Some companies are choosing to source their water from areas known to have low levels of PFAS contamination

These steps represent a move in the right direction, but there's still a long way to go. Until there's a clear consensus on safe PFAS levels and more stringent regulations are in place, consumers will need to remain vigilant about the water they choose to drink.

What Packaged Waters Are Free From Forever Chemicals?

Until it is “safe to go back in the water”, the best policy is to avoid brands with high levels of PFAS. Unfortunately, as the study detailed, only Sparkling Ice Black Raspberry Sparkling Water had undetectable levels of PFAS, with San Pelligrino and Spindrift being the best of the rest with levels that fell below 0.5ppt.

Another commendable option is JUST Water. This brand has taken significant steps to ensure its products are free from ‘forever chemicals’. Here's what sets JUST Water apart:

Independent Certification: JUST Water has been independently tested and certified as free from PFAS. This provides an added layer of assurance for consumers

Sustainable Sourcing and Mineral Water Status: JUST Water sources its water from a watershed in Glens Falls, New York, where the water is naturally filtered and has a high Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) score. This high TDS score allows some of their products, such as their Bubbles water and 22oz bottles, to be classified as mineral water

Eco-Friendly Packaging: In addition to its commitment to water quality, JUST Water also prioritizes sustainability with its packaging, which is made from 82% renewable resources

While it's encouraging to see brands like JUST Water taking steps to provide safer alternatives, it's clear that more needs to be done industry-wide to address the issue of PFAS in bottled water.

Drinking It In: The Scale of the PFAS Problem in Packaged Water

The problem with forever chemicals is their permanence. This means that if we stopped manufacturing these today, the problem of forever chemicals in our water will not go away without a proactive approach from the companies involved and the relevant legislative bodies.

While there's some momentum to address the issue, it's clear that more needs to be done. In the meantime, consumers can take steps to protect themselves by opting for PFAS-free products.