PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a class of man-made chemicals used to make products water-, stain-, and grease-resistant. They're called "forever chemicals" because they don't break down naturally in the environment or in your body. The EPA has set enforceable limits for several PFAS compounds in drinking water because even extremely low levels (parts per trillion) are linked to health risks including cancer, thyroid disease, immune system effects, and reproductive issues. PFAS contamination affects both well water and city water across the country.

Carbon filters adsorb PFAS by trapping them on the surface of activated carbon granules. This works to some degree, but carbon isn't selective — it also adsorbs other organic compounds, which compete for binding sites and reduce PFAS removal capacity. Ion exchange resin like SIR-110-HP is specifically designed to target PFAS compounds. The resin has higher selectivity, faster kinetics, and much longer throughput for PFAS removal compared to carbon. In testing, ion exchange consistently reduces PFAS to non-detect levels while carbon filters average around 73% removal with highly variable results.

The SIR-110-HP resin removes a wide spectrum of PFAS compounds including PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, PFHxS, GenX, and other per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. It reduces concentrations to below the criteria set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The resin has received the WQA Gold Seal certification, confirming its effectiveness across multiple PFAS compound types.

In typical residential applications, the SIR-110-HP resin lasts 3-7 years before replacement is needed. The actual lifespan depends on your water's PFAS concentration, total organic carbon (TOC), and competing anions like sulfate and nitrate. We recommend testing your treated water annually to monitor performance. Unlike carbon which gradually degrades, ion exchange resin provides consistent removal until it approaches capacity — then breakthrough happens relatively quickly, so annual testing catches it in time.

Yes, we strongly recommend installing a sediment pre-filter upstream of the PFAS system. Sediment, particulates, and debris in your water can foul the ion exchange resin, reducing its effectiveness and shortening its lifespan. A 20" Big Blue sediment filter is ideal — it's inexpensive, easy to maintain (cartridge replacement every 3-6 months), and protects your investment in the PFAS media. We sell the Big Blue sediment filter kit separately.

Yes. Since there's no electrical connection or drain line needed, installation is straightforward plumbing — connect the inlet, connect the outlet, open the bypass, and flush. The system ships with a bypass valve for easy maintenance access. If you're comfortable with basic plumbing, you can do this in a few hours. If you need help, Aidan is available 7 days a week at 800-460-5810 to walk you through it.

A lead/lag setup uses two PFAS vessels plumbed in series. The lead vessel does the primary PFAS removal while the lag vessel acts as a polishing stage to catch anything the lead misses. When the lead vessel's resin is exhausted, you swap their positions — the lag becomes the new lead, and you replace the resin in the old lead vessel. This provides uninterrupted protection and maximizes media utilization. For homes with high PFAS levels, this is the recommended configuration.

Yes. PFAS contamination affects both well water and municipal (city) water sources. This system treats your entire home's water supply regardless of the source. However, the water chemistry requirements should be evaluated — high levels of total organic carbon (TOC), competing anions, or other contaminants can affect PFAS removal performance. Call us with your water test results and we'll confirm this system is the right fit.