PFAS: What Are They And How Do They Affect West Michigan Water?
PFAS: What Are They and How Do They Affect West Michigan Water?
Introduction
Clean water is one of the most important resources we rely on every single day. In West Michigan, where rivers, lakes, and wells provide for thousands of families, water quality is directly tied to health, recreation, and community life. Recently, a new concern has entered the conversation: PFAS.
PFAS have been called “forever chemicals” because of their ability to linger in the environment. But what exactly are they, why should West Michigan residents be paying attention, and what can you do about them?
What Are PFAS?
Definition: PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, a family of more than 4,000 man-made chemicals.
Everyday Use: Since the 1940s, PFAS have been used in products like nonstick pans, water-resistant clothing, stain-proof carpets, food wrappers, and firefighting foams.
Why They Matter: PFAS do not break down easily. Once they get into soil, water, or our bodies, they stay there for years.
How PFAS Affect Health
Research shows that exposure to certain PFAS may:
Increase risk of some cancers
Interfere with hormones and the immune system
Affect liver and kidney function
Impact growth and development in children
This is why scientists, health officials, and families are taking PFAS so seriously.
PFAS in West Michigan
PFAS are not just a national problem—they are here in our own backyard.
Plainfield Township & Belmont: One of the most widely publicized cases in Michigan, where PFAS from a former shoe tannery contaminated private wells.
Kent County: Ongoing investigations by Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) continue to find PFAS in local water systems.
Ottawa & Muskegon Counties: PFAS has been detected in wells, rivers, and even fish in inland lakes.
Because of how PFAS spread, families with private wells are especially vulnerable. Municipal water supplies are tested and regulated, but well owners are often left to test and protect their own water.
Regulations and Standards
Michigan Leads the Way: Michigan has some of the nation’s strictest PFAS rules, with very low limits for certain types of PFAS in public water systems.
Private Wells Left Out: If your home uses a private well, there is no automatic testing or treatment—you must take action yourself.
Evolving Federal Standards: The U.S. EPA continues to study PFAS and is expected to strengthen nationwide rules in the coming years.
What Can Be Done About PFAS?
Getting rid of PFAS completely is difficult, but there are proven ways to remove them from drinking water:
Activated Carbon Filters – trap PFAS, but need frequent replacement.
Ion Exchange Systems – chemically bind PFAS and pull them from water.
Reverse Osmosis (RO) – one of the most effective home solutions, removing PFAS and many other contaminants.
Whole-Home Systems – protect not just your drinking water, but every faucet, shower, and appliance in the home.
How Pioneer Water Treatment Helps
At Pioneer Water Treatment, our mission is simple: to protect West Michigan families with clean, safe water.
We design custom systems built for your specific water conditions.
Our filtration technology addresses PFAS alongside other contaminants.
We know West Michigan water—our solutions are tailored to the unique challenges of our region.
Most importantly, we offer a no-pressure approach, putting education and peace of mind first.
Conclusion
PFAS may sound complicated, but the truth is simple: these chemicals are in our environment, and they are affecting West Michigan’s water. While state and federal agencies work toward long-term solutions, homeowners can take immediate steps to protect their families today.
Pioneer Water Treatment is here to help you understand your water, test it, and provide treatment options that ensure the water you drink, cook with, and bathe in is safe.
Because when it comes to your family’s health, clean water isn’t optional—it’s essential.
