The Invisible Threat: PFAS in Foodservice Water & How to Fight Back

Why Water Quality Matters More Than Ever

Water is at the heart of everything you do in foodservice: it brews your coffee, simmers your soups, creates ice, and powers steam for cooking. But there’s a hidden risk you can’t see, smell, or taste; PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals.”

These persistent compounds are appearing in water systems across the country, raising health concerns and creating new challenges for operators. The good news? With the right filtration strategy, you can protect your guests, your equipment, and your reputation, all while serving the quality your customers expect.

What Are PFAS?

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are man-made chemicals used in everything from nonstick cookware to food packaging. The EPA identifies roughly 15,000 of these “forever chemicals” due to their resistance to natural breakdown.

Sadly, PFAS now show up in groundwater, drinking water, soil, and even in the blood of most people tested (FDA, NRDC). Long-term exposure has been linked to:

• Hormone disruption and thyroid issues (Endocrine Society)

• Reproductive, liver, and kidney impacts

• Immune suppression and developmental risks

• Certain cancers (kidney, liver, pancreatic, and testicular)

Why PFAS Should Concern Foodservice Operators

Even if you don’t see them, PFAS can affect your operation in tangible ways. For restaurants, schools, hospitals, and hotels, these chemicals aren’t just a “background” problem, they can touch nearly every part of your business:

• Your products rely on it. Coffee, tea, fountain beverages, and ice are all mostly water. PFAS present in that water can make their way into what you serve.

• Your equipment is impacted. Ice machines, steamers, and beverage systems depend on clean water. PFAS can interact with scale, particulates, and biofilm, creating compounding risks.

• Your reputation is on the line. Guests expect safe, high-quality water, and regulators are paying attention too.

PFAS are extremely persistent, taking thousands of years to degrade. But “forever chemicals” don’t have to be a forever problem, solutions exist.

Everpure PFAS Filtration Solutions

Pentair’s Everpure systems are designed specifically to reduce PFAS in commercial foodservice water, especially PFOA and PFOS, the two most common compounds.

Key benefits include:

• Certified PFAS Reduction: Everpure’s PFOA/PFOS systems meet NSF/ANSI Standard 53, proving they effectively remove these chemicals.

• Advanced Fibredyne™ Media: Captures PFAS along with particulates, chlorine, taste/odor issues, and microplastics.      

• Flexible Cartridge Options: Sizes like 2FC-P, 4FC-P, and 7FC-P fit ice, coffee, fountain, or drinking water lines.

• Proven Performance: Reduces PFAS to as low as 20 parts per trillion, meeting or exceeding emerging guidelines.

By addressing PFAS at the point of entry, you protect both safety and quality across your operation.

Five Steps to Safeguard Your Operation

1. Test your water for PFAS. Review municipal reports or schedule private testing.

2. Install PFAS-capable filtration. Protect all food, beverage, and ice touchpoints.

3. Select the right cartridge size. Match it to your volume and application.

a.    Need help with sizing? Use Everpure’s sizing tool to find the right solution for your operations needs here.

4. Maintain your system. Replace filters on schedule, saturated filters won’t protect you.

5. Validate and document results. Keep records for inspections, audits, and peace of mind.

Protect Your Guests, Brand, and Bottom Line

PFAS may be invisible, but the solution doesn’t have to be complicated. Upgrading to Everpure PFAS-reduction filtration helps you safeguard your guests, extend equipment life, and maintain the highest standards of safety.

At Don Stevens, we make it simple to assess, specify, and maintain the right water filtration solutions for your operation. In foodservice, safe water equals safe food, and peace of mind.