PFAS in Bottled Water vs. Tap: Which Is Safer?

Bottled water is often seen as the cleaner, safer alternative to what comes from your tap. Slick labels with words like “pure,” “spring-fed,” and “filtered” make it sound like the healthy choice.

But here's the question too few people ask:

What about PFAS—the toxic “forever chemicals” now found in drinking water across the U.S.?

Do bottled water brands really offer better protection? Or are you just trading one source of PFAS for another?

This guide breaks down the truth about PFAS in bottled water vs. tap, what recent studies show, and how to make a safer, smarter choice for your health and home.

What Are PFAS?

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are man-made chemicals used since the 1940s in products like:

• Nonstick cookware (Teflon)

• Fast food wrappers

• Water-resistant clothing

• Firefighting foam

• Stain-resistant carpets

They’re incredibly resistant to heat, grease, and water—but that durability is exactly why they’ve earned the nickname “forever chemicals.”

Why It Matters:

• PFAS don’t break down in the environment

• They accumulate in the human body over time

• They've been found in the blood of 97% of Americans

Health Risks of PFAS

Scientific research and regulatory agencies like the EPA have linked PFAS exposure to:

• Certain cancers (kidney, testicular)

• Thyroid disease

• Liver and kidney damage

• Hormonal disruption

• Reduced immune response

• Reproductive and developmental problems

In 2023, the EPA set new PFAS health advisory levels at 4 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOA and PFOS—equivalent to just four drops in an Olympic-sized swimming pool.

Even trace amounts matter.

Where Are PFAS Found?

Today, PFAS have been detected in:

• Municipal drinking water (especially near military bases, airports, landfills, and industrial sites)

• Private well water (often unregulated and untested)

• Rivers, lakes, and groundwater

• Rainwater in remote areas

• Bottled water brands

Yes, even bottled water—the “safe” alternative—can contain PFAS.

Bottled Water vs. Tap Water: What the Studies Say

In 2021, Consumer Reports and the Guardian conducted a joint study testing 47 popular bottled water brands.

Key Findings:

• Several popular bottled waters had measurable PFAS levels

• One-third had PFAS concentrations above 3 ppt

• Some "purified" waters contained more PFAS than municipal tap water

Meanwhile, tap water quality varies dramatically by city. Some municipal systems have already begun PFAS mitigation. Others lag far behind.

PFAS in Bottled Water: Brands Under Scrutiny

Here’s a general summary (based on published studies and reports):

Note: Testing varies by bottling plant, batch, and location. A brand may test clean in one region and not in another.

Is Tap Water Any Better?

It depends on where you live and how your water is treated.

High-Risk Tap Water Areas:

• Near military sites (firefighting foam runoff)

• Near manufacturing facilities (chemical discharge)

• Communities with aging water infrastructure

• Locations with shallow or contaminated wells

Improvements in Some Municipal Systems:

• Some cities have added granular activated carbon (GAC) and ion exchange systems

• Others are piloting reverse osmosis (RO) treatments at the utility level

• Still, many systems are not yet equipped to fully remove PFAS

How to Check Your Water for PFAS

If you’re unsure about your tap water:

1. Use the EWG Tap Water Database

Enter your ZIP code to see reported contaminants, including PFAS.

2. Request a Consumer Confidence Report (CCR)

Available annually from your city’s water supplier.

3. Order a Lab Test

Home testing kits won’t detect PFAS. Use a certified lab that tests for PFOA, PFOS, and other variants.

Which Is Safer: Bottled or Tap?

There’s no universal answer—but here’s a breakdown of when each may be riskier:

Bottom line: Both bottled and tap water can contain PFAS. The key is testing and filtration, not assuming one source is safer by default.

How to Protect Yourself — No Matter the Source

The only way to minimize PFAS exposure from drinking water is to filter it yourself.

Best Filtration Options for PFAS:

Look for Filters That Are:

• NSF/ANSI 53 or 473 certified

• Tested to remove PFOA, PFOS, and short-chain PFAS

• Used within their rated lifespan (old filters stop working)

Suggested Filter Setup:

• Whole house GAC system for showers, laundry, general use

• Under-sink RO or carbon block for drinking and cooking water

What About Boiling or Distillation?

• Boiling water does not remove PFAS—in fact, it can concentrate them

• Distillation can remove PFAS, but is slow and not ideal for daily use

• Only certified filtration methods offer real protection
  
  

Final Thoughts

PFAS contamination is widespread, persistent, and dangerous. And whether you’re reaching for a bottle of “pure spring water” or turning on your kitchen tap, there’s no guarantee either one is free from these toxic chemicals.

The myth that bottled water is always safer is just that—a myth. And tap water, while regulated, can still fall short in areas where PFAS removal hasn’t caught up with the science.

So which is safer—bottled or tap? Neither, unless you filter it.

The good news is, you don’t have to guess. With the right filtration system, you can remove PFAS at the point of use—giving you real control over what goes into your body.

Because when it comes to PFAS, clean water isn’t a convenience. It’s a commitment.