PFAS in Lowcountry Water: How One Home Reduced Forever Chemicals to Non-Detectable Levels

If you live in the Culligan of The Low Country Service area, including Bluffton, Hilton Head, Beaufort, or Savannah — you’ve likely heard growing concerns about PFAS contamination in drinking water. Often called “forever chemicals,” PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals that can remain in the environment and the human body for years.

Many homeowners assume municipal water treatment removes everything harmful from their water supply. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. While city water is treated for many contaminants, PFAS can still remain present at low levels in drinking water systems across the country.

That’s why more homeowners are looking for reliable PFAS water filtration solutions that provide an extra layer of protection at home.

Recently, Culligan of the Low Country worked with a homeowner in Bluffton, South Carolina who wanted to better understand what was in their water and whether PFAS could be removed effectively. After comprehensive water testing and the installation of two advanced filtration solutions, follow-up testing showed non-detectable PFAS levels in the treated drinking water.

Here’s what homeowners across the Lowcountry should know about PFAS contamination, water filtration options, and how modern water treatment systems can help reduce exposure.

What Are PFAS?

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a large group of synthetic chemicals used in industrial manufacturing and consumer products since the 1940s. They have been used in products like:

• Non-stick cookware
• Water-resistant fabrics
• Food packaging
• Firefighting foam
• Industrial manufacturing processes

PFAS are nicknamed “forever chemicals” because they break down extremely slowly over time. As a result, they can accumulate in groundwater, rivers, lakes, and public water supplies.

According to the EPA, long-term exposure to certain PFAS compounds may be associated with potential health concerns, which is why many homeowners are seeking ways to reduce exposure through water filtration.

Why PFAS Matters in the Lowcountry

Communities throughout South Carolina and coastal Georgia are paying closer attention to PFAS testing as awareness grows nationwide. Even when municipal water meets current regulations, many homeowners still prefer additional filtration for peace of mind.

Unlike sediment or chlorine, PFAS cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted in water. That means homeowners may have no indication these chemicals are present without proper testing.

Because PFAS exposure can happen through everyday activities like drinking water, cooking, making coffee, or washing produce, many families are exploring filtration systems designed specifically for PFAS reduction.

Two Culligan PFAS Water Filtration Solutions

Culligan of the Low Country offers two primary PFAS reduction solutions for homeowners seeking cleaner water throughout the home and at the tap.

1. Reverse Osmosis System with Total Defense Filter

Culligan’s Reverse Osmosis (RO) drinking water system with the Total Defense filter is designed to reduce contaminants directly at the point of use, typically at the kitchen sink.

Reverse osmosis systems work by pushing water through a specialized membrane capable of reducing many dissolved contaminants, including certain PFAS compounds.

This system is ideal for:

• Drinking water
• Cooking water
• Ice makers
• Coffee and beverage preparation

For many homeowners, an RO system provides confidence that the water they consume every day has undergone advanced filtration beyond standard municipal treatment.

2. Aquasential™ Whole Home PFAS Water Filter

For broader filtration protection throughout the house, Culligan also offers the Aquasential Whole Home PFAS Water Filter.

Unlike point-of-use systems that treat only drinking water, whole-home filtration systems help reduce contaminants at every tap in the home.

This can benefit:

• Showers and bathing
• Laundry
• Dishwashing
• Bathroom sinks
• General household water use

Combining a whole-home PFAS filtration system with a reverse osmosis drinking water system creates a more comprehensive water treatment approach for homeowners concerned about water quality.

Bluffton PFAS Water Testing Case Study

To better understand their water quality, a Bluffton homeowner requested professional PFAS testing before installing filtration equipment.

Initial laboratory testing evaluated 55 unique PFAS compounds. Four compounds were detected in the untreated water supply, totaling 8.7 parts per trillion (ppt).

After reviewing the results, the homeowner chose to install:

• A Culligan Reverse Osmosis System with Total Defense Filter
• A Culligan Aquasential Whole Home PFAS Water Filter

After installation, follow-up testing was performed to evaluate the treated water.

PFAS Testing Results

Non-detectable indicates the laboratory did not detect PFAS compounds above reporting limits in the treated sample.

Benefits of PFAS Water Filtration

While many homeowners initially focus on drinking water safety, PFAS filtration can also provide additional lifestyle and convenience benefits.

Better-Tasting Drinking Water

Advanced filtration systems can improve the taste and odor of drinking water by reducing unwanted contaminants.

Reduced Reliance on Bottled Water

Many homeowners install reverse osmosis systems to reduce dependence on bottled water, helping lower plastic waste and recurring costs.

Confidence in Water Quality

One of the biggest benefits homeowners report is peace of mind knowing their water is being filtered with technology specifically designed to reduce emerging contaminants like PFAS.

Cleaner Water Throughout the Home

Whole-home filtration systems help provide treated water at multiple points throughout the house, not just the kitchen sink.

How Do You Know If PFAS Is in Your Water?

The only reliable way to determine PFAS levels is through proper water testing.

Because PFAS cannot be detected by taste, smell, or appearance, many homeowners choose to schedule professional water testing to better understand what may be present in their water supply.

Testing can help identify:

• Whether PFAS compounds are present
• Which compounds are detected
• Current concentration levels
• Which filtration solutions may be appropriate
  
  

Frequently Asked Questions About PFAS Water Filters

What is the best water filter for PFAS?

Reverse osmosis systems are widely recognized as one of the most effective filtration technologies for reducing many PFAS compounds in drinking water. Whole-home PFAS filtration systems can also help reduce exposure throughout the house. With proper maintenance, you can have peace of mind knowing you have cleaner, safer drinking water.

Does boiling water remove PFAS?

No. Boiling water does not remove PFAS and may actually concentrate contaminants as water evaporates.

Can municipal water contain PFAS?

Yes. Even treated municipal water can contain detectable PFAS levels depending on the source water and treatment process.

What does “non-detectable” mean in PFAS testing?

Non-detectable means laboratory testing did not identify PFAS compounds above the reporting threshold in the water sample.

Is reverse osmosis good for PFAS removal?

Yes. Reverse osmosis systems are commonly used to reduce PFAS in drinking water because of their advanced membrane filtration process.

Should I install a whole-home PFAS water filter?

A whole-home PFAS water filter may be beneficial for homeowners who want filtration protection at every tap, including showers, laundry, and bathrooms.

Download the Free PFAS Water Guide

Concerned about PFAS in your water?

Culligan of the Low Country created a free PFAS Water Guide to help homeowners understand:

• What PFAS are
• How PFAS enter drinking water
• Common misconceptions about forever chemicals
• Available PFAS water filtration options
• How to choose the right system for your home
  

Download the free PFAS guide today and learn how to better protect your home’s water supply.