Introduction

PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are synthetic chemicals that have raised global concerns about water quality and public health. Often called "forever chemicals" due to their resistance to breakdown, PFAS accumulate both in the environment and in the human body.
This article explores what PFAS are, the health risks they pose, and how Qwater supports PFAS reduction and water revitalisation.

What Are PFAS?

Since the 1950s, PFAS have been widely used in a variety of consumer and industrial products, including:

  • Non-stick cookware (e.g., Teflon)
  • Water- and stain-resistant textiles
  • Food packaging
  • Firefighting foams

Their chemical structure makes them highly resistant to heat, water, and oil — but also extremely persistent. As a result, PFAS do not naturally degrade and tend to accumulate in soil, water, and living organisms over time.

Health Effects

Long-term exposure to PFAS has been associated with a growing number of adverse health effects. Scientific studies suggest links to:

  • Hormonal disruption, especially affecting thyroid function
  • Reduced fertility in both men and women
  • Increased risk of certain cancers, including kidney and testicular cancer
  • Weakened immune response, especially in children
  • Liver damage and elevated cholesterol levels

Because PFAS build up in the body over time, even low-level exposure through drinking water can lead to cumulative health risks.

How Do PFAS Enter Our Water?

PFAS can enter water supplies through various sources, including:

  • Industrial discharges from manufacturing plants
  • Firefighting foam runoff at airports and military bases
  • Wastewater treatment effluents
  • Contaminated landfills and agricultural runoff

Municipal water systems using surface water sources (e.g., rivers, lakes) are often more vulnerable to PFAS contamination than those using groundwater.

The Challenge of Removal

PFAS are chemically stable and extremely difficult to remove using standard water treatment technologies. Traditional filtration (such as chlorine or UV) is ineffective against PFAS.
Advanced solutions like activated carbon, ion exchange, or reverse osmosis can help, but are costly and not always practical for households.

How Qwater Helps

Qwater's approach to water enhancement goes beyond conventional filtration. While our device is not a certified PFAS filter, it contributes in two important ways:

  1. Modular CompatibilityOur system can be integrated with certified PFAS filtration units, offering an all-in-one solution for purification and revitalisation.
  2. Water Revitalisation After FiltrationPFAS filtration can disrupt the natural structure and energy of water. Qwater helps restore molecular coherence, vibrational quality, and bio-availability, supporting better hydration and cell function.

Conclusion

PFAS pose a significant invisible risk in our water systems, and awareness is growing. While governments and industries work on policy and infrastructure, personal water solutions become more important than ever.

Qwater offers a holistic approach, focusing not only on removing harmful substances, but also on restoring the natural vitality of water — for health, energy, and resilience.

Global Data

Netherlands (RIVM)

  • Drinking water sourced from surface water tends to contain higher PFAS concentrations than groundwater.
  • Intake through food and water can exceed recommended health limits.

Source: RIVM – PFAS in drinking water:

https://www.rivm.nl/nieuws/pfas-in-drinkwater-uit-rivierwater-moet-omlaag

Source: RIVM – Comparison with EU directive:

https://www.rivm.nl/publicaties/pfas-in-nederlands-drinkwater-vergeleken-met-nieuwe-europese-drinkwaterrichtlijn

European Union

  • New drinking water directive (EU 2020/2184): sum of 20 PFAS ≤ 0.1 µg/l; total PFAS ≤ 0.5 µg/l.

Source: European Commission / RIVM:

https://www.rivm.nl/publicaties/pfas-in-nederlands-drinkwater-vergeleken-met-nieuwe-europese-drinkwaterrichtlijn

United States (EPA)

  • New advisory levels: PFOA 0.004 ppt; PFOS 0.02 ppt.
  • Nationwide limits enacted in 2024, enforcement begins in 2029.

Source: EPA via Time.com:

https://time.com/6965377/forever-chemicals-drinking-water-epa/

Sweden

  • Ronneby contamination reached levels up to 2,450 times above the former limit.

Source: The Guardian:

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jun/19/world-worst-case-of-pfas-forever-chemicals-contamination-kallinge

France

  • Nationwide PFAS ban effective 2026 for various consumer products.

Source: Washington Post:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2025/02/22/france-pfas-ban-forever-chemicals/

How Qwater Helps

Qwater products combine two essential functions:

  1. PFAS Removal – Initial tests show promising results; scientific studies are underway to confirm the exact effectiveness.
  2. Revitalisation – Restores the natural coherence of water, inspired by the frequency patterns of the world's most vital water sources, for optimal bio-availability and vitality.

What Can You Do?

  • Avoid consumer products containing PFAS
  • Install a Qwater system in your home
  • Have your water tested using the Qwater Water Quality Measurement Service
  • Stay informed on PFAS developments via RIVM, WHO, and the EPA

Conclusion

PFAS present a silent but serious health threat. Qwater offers an innovative approach that both removes and revitalises. With encouraging early results and ongoing scientific validation, Qwater represents a future-ready solution for healthier drinking water.

Sources (Full List)

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