PFAS can be detected in certain bottled waters, especially sparkling brands, but the levels vary widely across brands and sources. Tap water is regulated more tightly, so it is not necessarily less contaminated.
What PFAS are and how they enter water
PFAS—per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances—were developed in the 1950s for their resistance to heat, oil, and water. They are used in firefighting foams, food packaging, and industrial processes. Because their carbon‑fluorine bonds are very stable, they persist in the environment and can leach into groundwater that beverage companies tap.
Why bottled water is not automatically cleaner
Bottled water often starts as municipal tap water that has been filtered through basic carbon blocks. Those filters do not remove PFAS effectively, so the chemicals remain in the final product. Some brands, especially sparkling ones, source from mineral springs near industrial areas, which can increase PFAS exposure.
Levels found in bottled versus tap water
Studies of 47 bottled waters found that most stillwater brands had negligible PFAS, while sparkling varieties sometimes exceeded 5 parts per trillion (ppt). Tap water in the U.S. is subject to a federal maximum contaminant level of 70 ppt for combined PFOA and PFOS, and many states have limits as low as 12–20 ppt. Recent EPA rules lower the legal limits for six PFAS to 4 ppt each, but the FDA has not yet adopted these standards for bottled water.
Regulatory gaps and the FDA’s role
The EPA regulates tap water, while the FDA oversees bottled water. The FDA is required to adopt EPA limits for bottled water or justify not doing so, but progress has been slow. As a result, bottled water can legally contain PFAS at levels higher than those permitted in tap water.
What this means for consumers
Choosing tap water can be safer in terms of PFAS exposure, especially if the local utility uses advanced treatment such as granular activated carbon or reverse osmosis. However, some rural utilities may lack the resources for such treatment. If you prefer bottled water, look for brands that disclose PFAS testing and choose still waters from reputable sources.
Key takeaways for buying water
- PFAS can be present in bottled water, especially sparkling brands.
- Tap water faces stricter federal PFAS limits than bottled water.
- Advanced filtration is needed to remove PFAS from water.
- Check brand transparency and testing reports before buying bottled water.
- Regulatory updates may lower bottled water PFAS limits in the future.