You may have heard PFAS described as “forever chemicals.”
You may have also seen headlines about PFAS in drinking water.
But what does that actually mean for an Indiana homeowner?
The first thing to understand is that PFAS isn’t one chemical.
It’s a large group of manufactured chemicals that have been used in many industrial and consumer applications.
Some PFAS can persist in the environment for a very long time, which is one reason they have received so much attention from water agencies.
Why Are We Hearing So Much About PFAS?
PFAS has become a major focus of drinking-water policy because certain PFAS compounds can remain in the environment and may be present in water supplies.
EPA is continuing to fund programs specifically aimed at addressing PFAS.
In May 2026, EPA announced more than $13 million for Indiana through its Emerging Contaminants–Small or Disadvantaged Communities program. The funding is intended to help Indiana communities address PFAS and other emerging contaminants.
Indiana’s own FY2026 drinking-water planning documents also identify PFAS remediation as an objective of its Emerging Contaminants program.
Does Every Indiana Home Have PFAS?
No.
This is an important distinction.
The presence of a PFAS program or PFAS funding does not mean every Indiana household has contaminated water.
Water quality varies by location and source.
A homeowner on a municipal water system may have different circumstances from someone with a private well.
And even two households in the same community can have different plumbing and water-treatment circumstances.
That’s why testing and local information matter.
Where Can PFAS Come From?
PFAS contamination can be associated with a variety of historical and current uses of these chemicals.
Potential sources can include certain industrial activities, manufacturing, firefighting-related applications, landfills and contaminated sites.
Once PFAS enters groundwater or surface water, it can become a drinking-water concern depending on the location and the water source.
What About Private Wells?
Private well owners have a different situation from people connected to regulated public water systems.
If you’re on a private well, you are responsible for understanding and maintaining your own water supply.
That makes periodic testing particularly important.
If you’re concerned about PFAS, don’t assume that your water is fine simply because it looks clear and tastes normal.
PFAS cannot be identified by looking at, smelling or tasting the water.
A laboratory test is needed.
Can a Water Filter Remove PFAS?
Some filtration and treatment technologies can reduce specific PFAS compounds.
But not every water filter is designed or certified for PFAS reduction.
That’s an important distinction.
If PFAS is your concern, look for a treatment system that has been independently certified for the specific contaminant and reduction claim you’re interested in.
Depending on the situation, treatment technologies can include certain activated-carbon systems and reverse-osmosis systems.
The right choice depends on the water source, contaminant levels, household needs and the specific product’s certified capabilities.
Don’t Buy a Filter Based on a Marketing Claim Alone
“Pure.”
“Clean.”
“Natural.”
“Advanced.”
“Chemical-free.”
Those words don’t tell you what a filter actually removes.
Instead, look for documentation showing what contaminants the system is designed and certified to reduce.
A good water-treatment decision starts with the water itself.
Start With Testing
If you’re concerned about PFAS, consider this sequence:
Step 1: Identify your water source.
Public water or private well?
Step 2: Review available water-quality information.
If you’re on public water, check your utility’s available reports.
Step 3: Consider testing.
A laboratory test can tell you what is actually present in your water.
Step 4: Choose treatment based on the results.
If treatment is appropriate, select a system designed for the contaminants you’re trying to reduce.
Step 5: Maintain the system.
Even a high-quality filtration system needs appropriate maintenance and filter replacement.
What Indiana Homeowners Should Take Away
PFAS is a legitimate water-quality issue, but it shouldn’t be treated as a reason for panic.
The better approach is information.
Indiana is receiving federal funding specifically targeted toward PFAS and emerging contaminants. The state is also incorporating PFAS remediation into its drinking-water infrastructure planning.
That means the issue is being addressed at the community and infrastructure level.
Homeowners can take their own practical steps as well.
Know your water source.
Check available water-quality information.
Test when appropriate.
And if you choose filtration, match the technology to the contaminant.
At Indiana Water Filters, that’s the conversation we want to have with homeowners: not simply “Do you need a filter?”
But rather:
What’s in your water, and what are you trying to accomplish?
That’s a much better place to start.
