PFAS in Los Angeles Water: What You Need to Know (And How to Protect Your Home)
- Hague
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
Over the past few years, one topic has come up more and more with Los Angeles homeowners: PFAS contamination. These “forever chemicals” have made national headlines, local utility reports, and — increasingly — water test results in Southern California homes.
After 30 years in the water treatment industry, I can confidently say this: Most homeowners have no idea how common PFAS actually is in Los Angeles tap water.
This guide will break down what PFAS is, where it comes from, how it affects your health, and — most importantly — the best ways to remove it from your home’s water.
What Are PFAS in Los Angeles Water?
The “Forever Chemicals” in Southern California Water.
PFAS stands for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances — a massive class of chemicals used since the 1940s. They earned the nickname “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down naturally and can accumulate in the human body.
Common sources of PFAS contamination:
Firefighting foams used at military bases & airports
Industrial manufacturing sites
Nonstick cookware chemicals (Teflon–related substances)
Water-resistant products (clothing, carpeting, upholstery)
Runoff entering groundwater and rivers
In Los Angeles County, PFAS contamination has been linked to:
Industrial corridors across the LA Basin
Airports and military sites (LAX, former El Toro MCAS, March ARB)
Wastewater treatment runoff
Imported water sources that have PFAS before ever reaching LA
Because LA’s water supply comes from a blend of local groundwater, State Water Project imports, and the Colorado River, PFAS can enter the system from multiple directions.
How Common Is PFAS in Los Angeles? (More Than Most Homeowners Realize)
For PFAS in Los Angeles water, also Orange County, and the Inland Empire, the most shocking thing homeowners discover is just how widespread PFAS contamination is.
Many believe PFAS is only a problem in a few cities — but that’s not true. According to multiple municipal water reports and EWG findings:
PFAS has been detected in most of Los Angeles County
Levels vary dramatically from neighborhood to neighborhood
Many wells and groundwater sources show detectable PFOS and PFOA
Several water agencies are now blending or shutting wells down to stay below new limits
The biggest misconception I encounter after 30 years is this:
“Isn’t my refrigerator filter or store-bought pitcher enough to remove PFAS?”
Unfortunately, no. Standard carbon filters, pitcher filters, and fridge filters do not remove PFAS. They aren't designed for it — and marketing often tricks homeowners into believing otherwise.
Health Effects of PFAS Exposure
Although this article isn’t meant to scare homeowners, PFAS is associated with several health risks when consumed at elevated levels over time.
Potential effects include:
Hormonal disruption
Immune system suppression
Increased cholesterol
Thyroid impacts
Certain cancers (based on long-term exposure)
Developmental issues in infants and children
PFAS is odorless, tasteless, and invisible, which only increases the concern. You can’t detect it at home without a professional test — and boiling water will not remove it.
The Best Ways to Reduce PFAS in Los Angeles Water Found in Your Home
Filtration technologies
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC): An extensively researched and efficient technique for eliminating PFAS, commonly found in many household filters.
Ion Exchange Resins: These utilize charged beads to attract and eliminate PFAS from water.
High-Pressure Membrane Systems: Sophisticated systems, such as nanofiltration, are extremely effective in removing PFAS.
Home filtration
Point-of-Use (POU): Filters designed for a single tap, such as pitcher, faucet-mounted, or under-the-sink systems.
Point-of-Entry (POE): Whole-house systems that treat all the water entering the residence.
How to choose: Consult a water treatment specialist for advice, particularly if you use a private well. Verify the filter's specifications for PFAS reduction information.
1. Reverse Osmosis (RO) Filtration – The Most Effective PFAS Treatment
Reverse osmosis is widely regarded as the gold standard for PFAS reduction. A high-quality RO system (not a big-box store version) removes:
PFOS
PFOA
PFHxS
GenX compounds
Many other PFAS molecules
While RO handles drinking water, whole-home protection requires a second layer. PFAS can still enter your home through:
Showers
Laundry
Bathing
Dishwashing
Advanced carbon media is one of the most reliable whole-house PFAS reduction technologies.
Why PFAS Is Becoming a Bigger Issue in Los Angeles
You’ve noticed a steady increase in questions about PFAS from LA customers over the last several years. There are three major reasons:
1. More wells are being tested — and failing the new PFAS limits
The state has been gradually tightening PFAS detection and reporting standards.
2. Homeowners are reading more about PFAS in the news
National coverage has increased awareness.
3. Water agencies are blending or shutting down PFAS-impacted wells
This often leads homeowners to wonder what’s happening behind the scenes.
Whole-Home Protection From PFAS, Chlorine & Everyday Contaminants
If you’re looking for a powerful, low-maintenance filtration system that protects your entire home from PFAS, chlorine, and other impurities, the HomeShield™ Whole House Filter is the solution. Designed for families who want cleaner, safer water straight from every tap, HomeShield delivers high-performance filtration backed by NSF/ANSI certifications—without the wastewater, noise, or bulk of traditional systems.
Whether you're on Los Angeles municipal water or a local well, HomeShield gives you confidence in every drop.
Who This System Is Perfect For
Homes struggling with PFAS contamination
Families concerned about chlorine taste or odor
Los Angeles and Southern California households looking for safer, cleaner water
Homeowners wanting high-capacity filtration without wastewater
Customers wanting low-maintenance filtration with smart monitoring
Why Choose HomeShield™ Over Other Filters?
Most whole-house filters reduce chlorine—but few are truly certified to reduce PFAS. HomeShield combines:
PFAS-targeted carbon technology
Zero-waste performance
A compact footprint
Half-million-gallon capacity
Real-time monitoring
That makes it one of the most advanced and efficient systems available today.
Should Los Angeles Homeowners Be Concerned?
PFAS in LA water is not an emergency — but it is real, and it’s not going away anytime soon. These chemicals do not naturally break down, and every year the state identifies new impacted wells.
Final Thoughts: Remove PFAS — With the Right System
PFAS is becoming one of the most talked-about water issues in Los Angeles, and for good reason. While municipal utilities are working hard to manage it, the most reliable way to protect your family is with proper point-of-use and whole-home filtration:
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