PFAS Forever Chemicals in Your Water – Complete 2026 Guide for SD & MN | Applied Water Midwest

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) have become the most discussed water quality issue of 2026 — and for good reason. These “forever chemicals” accumulate in the body, don’t break down in the environment, and have been linked to serious health conditions. At Applied Water Technologies, our Water Specialist Bob Kruger and our certified technicians are fielding more questions about PFAS than any other contaminant.

This guide tells you everything you need to know about PFAS in South Dakota and Minnesota water — and what you can do about it.

What Are PFAS? Understanding Forever Chemicals

PFAS is an umbrella term for more than 12,000 synthetic chemicals that share a core structure: chains of carbon atoms bonded to fluorine. This carbon-fluorine bond is one of the strongest in chemistry — which is why PFAS are so useful for products requiring heat resistance, stain resistance, and water repellency. It’s also why they don’t break down.

Common sources of PFAS exposure include:

• AFFF firefighting foam: Used at airports, military bases, and fire training facilities — a major source of groundwater contamination across the Midwest
• Industrial discharge: Manufacturing facilities that produced or used PFAS chemicals
• Agricultural land application: Some biosolids (sewage sludge) used as fertilizer contain PFAS
• Non-stick cookware: Teflon-coated pans release small amounts of PFAS
• Food packaging: Fast food wrappers, microwave popcorn bags, pizza boxes
• Stain-resistant fabrics and carpets: Scotchgard and similar treatments

PFAS Health Risks — What the Science Shows

PFAS are “bioaccumulative” — they build up in the body over time. Long-term exposure has been associated with:

• Cancer: Kidney cancer, testicular cancer, and potentially others
• Thyroid disease: PFAS disrupt thyroid hormone function
• Immune system effects: Reduced vaccine response, particularly in children
• Reproductive effects: High blood pressure during pregnancy, reduced fertility
• Developmental effects: Lower birth weight, altered development
• Elevated cholesterol: Consistently observed in exposed populations
• Liver damage: Enzyme changes indicating liver stress

Children and pregnant women are considered the most vulnerable populations because developing systems are more sensitive to PFAS disruption, and PFAS can cross the placenta and transfer through breast milk.

PFAS in South Dakota and Minnesota Water

PFAS contamination has been documented in multiple locations across South Dakota and Minnesota:

• Areas near military installations and airports where AFFF foam was used in training
• Communities near certain manufacturing facilities
• Agricultural areas where PFAS-containing biosolids were applied
• Some municipal water systems that draw from affected groundwater

The Minnesota Department of Health and South Dakota DENR have both conducted PFAS monitoring programs. The 3M settlement with Minnesota for PFAS contamination of the Mississippi River has brought significant attention to PFAS issues throughout the upper Midwest.

The best way to know if PFAS are in your home’s water is to test. Applied Water Technologies can connect you with certified laboratory testing for PFAS in addition to our standard free water analysis.

New EPA PFAS Drinking Water Limits — 2024–2026

In April 2024, the EPA finalized the first-ever national drinking water standards for PFAS compounds:

Public water systems have until 2027 to comply with these new limits. However, if you rely on a private well, these regulations don’t automatically protect you — you need to test and treat your own water.

How to Test Your Water for PFAS

Standard water test kits do not test for PFAS — specialized laboratory analysis is required. Options include:

• State-certified laboratory: Most reliable; samples must be collected and shipped in proper containers following chain-of-custody procedures. Applied Water Technologies can facilitate this process.
• EPA-certified commercial labs: Labs certified under EPA Method 533 or 537.1 provide accurate PFAS quantification
• Utility annual reports (for municipal customers): Contact your utility for their latest PFAS monitoring results

Contact us at (605) 753-2782 to discuss PFAS testing options for your home or business in Watertown, Sioux Falls, Aberdeen, Brookings, or anywhere in our service area.

How to Remove PFAS from Your Drinking Water

Three technologies have demonstrated effectiveness for PFAS removal in home water treatment:

1. Reverse Osmosis (RO) — Most Effective

RO systems force water through a semi-permeable membrane with pores too small for PFAS molecules to pass through. NSF/ANSI 58-certified RO systems consistently remove 90–99% of PFAS compounds. This is Applied Water Technologies’ primary recommendation for PFAS removal.

Key considerations:

• Must be NSF/ANSI 58 certified with specific PFAS-reduction claim on the certificate
• Membranes require periodic replacement (typically every 2–3 years) to maintain performance
• Typically installed under the kitchen sink for drinking water point-of-use treatment
• Can be combined with a whole-house pre-filter for comprehensive protection

2. High-Performance Activated Carbon

Granular activated carbon (GAC) and block carbon filters can remove many PFAS compounds, but effectiveness varies significantly by PFAS type, carbon contact time, and filter age. Carbon filtration alone is generally less comprehensive than RO for PFAS. We recommend NSF-certified systems specifically tested for PFAS removal.

3. What Does NOT Remove PFAS

• Water softeners: Remove hardness minerals, not PFAS
• Boiling water: Actually concentrates PFAS (water evaporates, PFAS remains)
• Standard pitcher filters (Brita, etc.): Not certified for PFAS removal
• Sediment filters: Remove particles only, not dissolved PFAS

Common PFAS Myths Debunked

“My water utility told me the water is safe — I don’t need to worry about PFAS.”

Municipal water that meets current EPA standards may still contain PFAS at levels that pose long-term health risks. The new EPA limits of 4 ppt are significantly lower than detection levels used in older monitoring programs. Many utilities are still assessing their compliance status.

“I use a Brita filter, so I’m protected.”

Standard pitcher filters use basic activated carbon and are NOT certified for PFAS removal. They improve taste and reduce chlorine but should not be relied on for PFAS protection. NSF-certified RO or specialized PFAS-certified filters are needed.

“PFAS contamination is only a problem near military bases.”

While military bases with AFFF foam use are a major point source, PFAS have also been found near industrial facilities, airports, and agricultural areas where PFAS-containing biosolids were applied. PFAS contamination is a widespread national issue, not limited to military zones.

Special Concern: PFAS and Children’s Health

Children are especially vulnerable to PFAS because developing immune, neurological, and endocrine systems are more sensitive to chemical disruption. Studies have shown that children exposed to PFAS have reduced responses to vaccines — meaning their immune systems don’t develop immunity as effectively. PFAS also appear to affect puberty timing and hormonal development.

For households with children, installing a certified PFAS-removal RO system for drinking water is strongly recommended. Our Water Consultant Austin Meyer can help you select and install the right system for your family’s needs.