Drinking Water Polluted from Forgotten Dump

A drain going into a river. Many water-based problems, inclidung drinking water pollution, stem from PFAs and PFCs.

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Recently, a local news outlet released an article showing that there are per and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAs) substances also called perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) in local wells at alarming levels located just outside the city of Grand Rapids. The source of this most recent drinking water pollution is from an old, abandoned dump. Acceptable levels of PFCs and PFAs is 70ppt (parts per trillion.) All residents are being told to not drink from their wells and drink only bottled water until further notice.

After being notified about the issue, the manufacturer responsible began working with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality’s Grand Rapids district to test the water and found per/polyfluoroalkyl substances, called PFAS, in 21 residences. Of those tested with verified results, 14 show some level of PFAS and seven show unsafe levels. They tested one at 27,000 parts per trillion.

PFAS are odorless and tasteless compounds resistant to heat, water, and oil. Often found in cosmetics and Teflon, and in hundreds of industrial applications and consumer products such as carpeting, apparels, upholstery, food paper wrappings, fire-fighting foams and metal plating. PFAS bio accumulate (increasing concentration over time in blood and organs).

At high concentrations, researchers have linked certain PFAS to adverse health effects in laboratory animals that may reflect associations between exposure to these chemicals. Besides these testings, drinking water pollution caused by PFAS created health problems such as low birth weight, delayed puberty onset, elevated cholesterol levels, and reduced immunologic responses to vaccination.

How can you remove PFCs/PFAs from your drinking water? The solution is best addressed with a highly rated reverse osmosis drinking water system that also includes a high density activated carbon filter. Gordon Water Systems carries the Kinetico K5 Reverse Osmosis System that is third-party verified to have the highest contaminant removal.

We started Gordon Water Systems in West Michigan in 1973 and has been helping families have clean, safe water in their homes for over 44 years. Contact us using the form below for your free water test![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Request a Water Test” use_theme_fonts=”yes”]

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