What are PFAS, and why should Treasure Valley homeowners care?
Per‑ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic “forever chemicals” used for everything from non‑stick cookware to firefighting foam. They do not break down naturally and have been linked to cancers, thyroid disorders, and immune suppression (NPR). In April 2024, the EPA issued its first national, legally enforceable drinking‑water limits: just 4 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOA and PFOS (US EPA).
How much PFAS is in Boise‑area drinking water?
PFAS are not yet regulated by Idaho’s Department of Environmental Quality, so many utilities are still exempt from routine testing (Idaho DEQ). Voluntary sampling paints a mixed picture:
- Capitol Water (serving ~9,000 Boise customers) registered PFAS above the new EPA limits during 2024 testing (BoiseDev).
- City of Boise reports results below 4 ppt, but emphasizes ongoing monitoring as new rules roll out (City of Boise).
That means households could be drinking water that meets old state standards yet still exceeds updated federal safety levels.
Why standard softeners aren’t enough
Traditional salt‑based softeners swap calcium for sodium—they do nothing for PFAS. Removing these tiny molecules requires a specialized media with enormous surface area, such as high‑capacity catalytic carbon, followed by a polishing stage to catch the smallest residues.
AquaKlear’s PFAS‑focused protection
AquaKlear pairs its premium catalytic carbon block with a smart‑metered valve that guarantees correct contact time for every gallon. Lab data show up to 98 percent reduction of PFOA/PFOS at 4 gallons per minute, giving families a margin of safety that keeps pace with evolving EPA regulations.
Benefits to your household
- Health peace of mind for pregnant women, children, and anyone with thyroid or immune concerns.
- Better‑tasting cooking water free from “chemical” after‑notes you can’t quite place.
- Future‑proof compliance as Idaho adopts stricter PFAS rules in coming years.
Local expertise, veteran ownership
AquaKlear’s technicians live in the same neighborhoods they service. Every installation includes a free post‑filter water test, plus optional PFAS retesting so you can see the results in black and white.
Take action today
Waiting for utilities to finish multi‑year upgrades leaves your family exposed. Schedule a complimentary in‑home water assessment and get a custom PFAS‑removal system sized to your flow rate and water chemistry. Clean water is the fastest wellness upgrade you can make this year.