PFAS in bottled water: what to know and which brands test for it

Updated · Scores from third-party lab reports · How we score

Some bottled waters contain PFAS, and most brands do not publish whether theirs does. Of the 2,735 products we track, only 86 have a PFAS lab test on file. The safest move is to choose a brand that tests and publishes results, like the ones below.

What are PFAS?

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are thousands of synthetic chemicals used in non-stick, waterproof and stain-resistant products. They are called forever chemicals because they barely break down in the environment or in your body. Long-term exposure to some PFAS is linked to higher cholesterol, immune effects and certain cancers.

The rules: tap water vs bottled water

  • In April 2024 the EPA set enforceable limits of 4.0 parts per trillion for PFOA and PFOS in public tap water. In 2025 the EPA said it would keep those two limits and give utilities until 2031 to comply, while reconsidering limits for other PFAS.
  • Bottled water is regulated by the FDA, which has not adopted an equivalent PFAS limit. The bottled water industry association recommends its members stay under 5 ppt for a single PFAS and 10 ppt combined.

Bottled waters tested for PFAS with none detected

  1. Panama Blue Water Glass Bottle — 96/100, glass
  2. Acqua Filette Natural Glass Bottle — 95/100, glass
  3. Acqua Filette Gently Sparkling Glass Bottle — 95/100, glass
  4. Panama Blue Water Gallon — 90/100, plastic
  5. Hallstein Water Gallon — 89/100, plastic
  6. Waiakea Alkaline Water Aluminum Bottle — 88/100, aluminum
  7. Alive Water (Blue Springs) Glass Bottle — 88/100, glass
  8. Waiakea Hawaiian Volcanic Sparkling Water Aluminum Bottle — 88/100, aluminum
  9. Hallstein Water Glass Bottle — 86/100, glass
  10. Loonen Still Water Glass Bottle — 86/100, glass

Full list: PFAS-free bottled water. "None detected" means below the lab's reporting limit, not literally zero.

How to avoid PFAS in drinking water

  1. Pick bottled water with a published PFAS test (above).
  2. Check your city on our tap water map.
  3. Use a filter certified for PFOA/PFOS reduction (NSF/ANSI 53 or 58). Reverse osmosis removes the most. See best water filters.

Frequently asked questions

Does bottled water have PFAS?

Some does. Independent tests have found PFAS in several bottled waters, usually at low levels. Few brands publish PFAS results, so choose one that does.

What is the safe level of PFAS in drinking water?

The EPA set 4.0 parts per trillion as the enforceable limit for PFOA and PFOS in public drinking water, with a health goal of zero.

Which water filter removes PFAS?

Reverse osmosis removes the widest range of PFAS. Some activated carbon filters certified to NSF/ANSI 53 also reduce PFOA and PFOS.

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