If you’ve been hearing about “forever chemicals” in your water supply, you’re not alone. Across the country, PFAS contamination is making headlines—and Tacoma, Washington is no exception. Whether you live in North End, Hilltop, or South Tacoma, understanding what PFAS are and how they might affect your household water is essential.
In this post, we’ll break down what PFAS are, how they enter your home’s water supply, and—most importantly—what you can do as a Tacoma homeowner to protect your plumbing and your health.
🧪 What Are PFAS?
PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) are a group of synthetic chemicals used in industrial processes and consumer products since the 1940s. These include items like:
- Non-stick cookware (Teflon)
- Stain-resistant fabrics
- Firefighting foam
- Food packaging
The nickname “forever chemicals” comes from their extremely slow breakdown rate in both the environment and the human body. Once PFAS enter your system or your plumbing, they’re hard to remove without intervention.
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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), exposure to PFAS may lead to increased cholesterol levels, immune system issues, low birth weight in infants, and even an increased risk of cancer.
🚰 Are PFAS in Tacoma’s Water?
In short: they could be. While the City of Tacoma has historically delivered high-quality water, PFAS have been detected in some wells in the South Sound region—including areas surrounding military bases where firefighting foam was used.
According to the Washington State Department of Health, PFAS have been detected in multiple counties, and the state is actively monitoring public water systems for contamination.
Tacoma Public Utilities has committed to frequent PFAS testing, but private wells, older plumbing systems, or homes near industrial zones may still be vulnerable.
🔍 How PFAS Enter Your Home’s Plumbing
PFAS contamination usually originates from:
- Nearby industrial or military facilities
- Leaching into groundwater from landfills or treated wastewater
- Surface water sources used for drinking water
Once PFAS are in the water, they can travel through your home’s pipes, faucet aerators, and even your water heater. Over time, this can lead to the accumulation of harmful substances—not just in your drinking water, but also in the water you bathe and cook with.
🛠 What Tacoma Homeowners Can Do
You may not be able to stop PFAS from entering municipal systems, but you can take proactive steps to protect your household:
1. Get Your Water Tested
If you’re on a private well or you’re concerned about PFAS in your tap water, consider getting a certified water test. Look for labs approved by the EPA or Washington Department of Ecology.
2. Install a Certified Water Filtration System
Not all water filters are created equal. To reduce PFAS effectively, choose systems certified by NSF/ANSI 53 or 58. These are typically reverse osmosis or activated carbon filters, and they must explicitly list PFAS removal on the label.
✅ Einstein Pros Tacoma can help evaluate your home’s water system and recommend or install appropriate filtration solutions.
3. Schedule a Plumbing Inspection
Older plumbing or worn pipes may allow contaminants to collect or re-enter your water supply. Regular plumbing inspections ensure your fixtures, pipes, and water heater are not contributing to further contamination.
🔧 Einstein Pros Tacoma offers thorough inspections tailored for homes in the South Sound region, ensuring your water stays clean, safe, and PFAS-free.
👨🔧 Why Work With Einstein Pros Tacoma?
At Einstein Pros Tacoma, we understand the growing concern around water quality and chemical contaminants. Our licensed plumbing professionals are equipped with the latest tools and solutions to help you:
- Install certified PFAS water filters
- Upgrade aging plumbing
- Test for contaminants
- Maintain safe water throughout your home
We’re committed to keeping Tacoma families safe—starting with the water they drink and the plumbing that delivers it.
📍 Learn more about how we help homeowners across Tacoma protect their plumbing and health here:
👉 Einstein Pros Tacoma Plumbing Services
🧼 Final Thoughts
PFAS contamination is a growing environmental and health issue, but you’re not powerless. By staying informed, testing your water, and partnering with a trusted plumbing professional like Einstein Pros Tacoma, you can take back control of your home’s water safety.
If you’re concerned about what’s flowing through your taps, schedule an inspection with us today and get peace of mind—one pipe at a time.