PFAS Removal: What Commercial Building Owners Need to Know

If you own or manage a commercial property, you may have started to hear the term “PFAS” showing up more and more. That’s for good reason.

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a growing concern for commercial water systems across the country. These synthetic compounds are making headlines for their persistence in the environment, potential health impacts, and increasing federal regulation.

This article is designed to give building owners and facility managers a complete understanding of PFAS removal, the latest PFAS removal technologies, and the most effective commercial PFAS removal methods available today for commercial and industrial environments.

What Are PFAS?

PFAS are a large group of man-made chemicals used since the 1940s. They are found in products like firefighting foam, stain repellents, non-stick cookware, water-resistant fabrics, and food packaging. The problem is that PFAS do not easily break down in nature or the human body. They can stay in water, soil, and blood for years.

The two most widely studied PFAS are PFOA and PFOS. Exposure to these chemicals has been linked to several health risks, including:

• Thyroid disorders
• Liver damage
• Hormonal changes
• Cancer
• Immune system suppression

PFAS are now being detected in water supplies across the United States, especially in areas near industrial facilities, military bases, and airports.

Why PFAS Matter to Commercial Property Owners

Commercial buildings often use large volumes of water for heating, cooling, manufacturing, cleaning, and human consumption. If PFAS are present in your water supply, they can build up in your infrastructure, affect your operations, and even lead to regulatory fines or lawsuits.

If your property houses:

• Healthcare facilities
• Schools or daycares
• Food processing or packaging operations
• Car washes
• Commercial laundries
• Apartment complexes
• Manufacturing facilities
  

You are more likely to face scrutiny or liability if PFAS are found in your water systems.

Even if you do not serve drinking water, your wastewater discharge could be subject to local or state limits. That is why many property managers are taking action now to test and remove PFAS before regulators come knocking.

How Do PFAS Enter Commercial Water Systems?

PFAS contamination can occur in several ways:

Contaminated Groundwater

Buildings that use private wells are at high risk, especially near landfills, airports, or former industrial sites. PFAS from decades-old operations can seep into the groundwater and persist for years.

Municipal Water Supplies

Even treated city water can contain low levels of PFAS. Treatment plants were not designed to filter these compounds out, and unless your municipality has invested in PFAS removal technologies, the chemicals may still be flowing through your taps.

Internal Building Materials

Some plumbing materials, gaskets, sealants, and coatings used in commercial construction may have trace PFAS content. Over time, these can leach into the water, especially in high-temperature or high-pressure systems.

How to Test for PFAS in Your Building’s Water

The first step is testing. You need to know if PFAS are present and at what levels. Lab testing is the most accurate option and should be performed by a certified environmental laboratory.

Tests should measure for multiple PFAS variants, not just PFOA and PFOS. The EPA’s current recommendation includes at least 29 PFAS chemicals.

Once your results are in, you can determine which PFAS removal method is right for your facility.

Top PFAS Removal Technologies for Commercial Use

Several technologies are proven to reduce or remove PFAS from commercial water systems. Each has strengths and limitations. In most cases, a combination of methods provides the best outcome.

1. Granular Activated Carbon (GAC)

How it works: GAC filters absorb PFAS compounds onto a porous carbon surface.

Pros:

• Cost-effective for large systems
• Works well for long-chain PFAS

Cons:

• Less effective for short-chain PFAS
• Requires regular replacement and backwashing
  

GAC is commonly used in commercial and municipal water treatment plants and can be installed as point-of-entry or point-of-use systems.

2. Ion Exchange Resins

How it works: Ion exchange resins use positively charged beads to attract and bind PFAS molecules.

Pros:

• Highly effective at removing both long- and short-chain PFAS
• Longer lifespan than carbon media

Cons:

• Higher initial cost
• Spent resins must be disposed of safely
  

Ion exchange is often used in tandem with GAC to improve efficiency and reduce maintenance.

3. Reverse Osmosis (RO)

How it works: Reverse osmosis uses pressure to force water through a semipermeable membrane, leaving PFAS and other contaminants behind.

Pros:

• Removes up to 99 percent of PFAS
• Also removes many other contaminants like lead and nitrates

Cons:

• Slower throughput
• High upfront and energy costs
• Requires prefiltration and maintenance

RO is best for point-of-use stations like drinking fountains or kitchen sinks in commercial spaces.

Additional PFAS Removal Methods

Some cutting-edge technologies are still emerging, including:

• Advanced oxidation processes
• Electrochemical treatment
• Supercritical water oxidation

These are still being tested for large-scale commercial use and are generally cost-prohibitive for most building owners today. However, they may become more relevant as regulations tighten.

Where Commercial Water Softeners Fit In

While water softeners are not designed to remove PFAS, they play a supporting role in PFAS removal systems. Hard water (rich in calcium and magnesium) can reduce the effectiveness of activated carbon and ion exchange resins. Softeners condition the water, allowing PFAS-specific filters to do their job more efficiently.

For facilities that need both hardness control and PFAS removal, it is important to design a treatment train that includes:

• A commercial water softener
• Pre-filtration
• A PFAS-specific removal system (GAC, ion exchange, or RO)

Industrial Water Treatment Services: Your Best Ally

Designing and maintaining an effective PFAS removal system is not a DIY job. Every commercial building is different, and water chemistry can vary widely across regions.

Working with an industrial water treatment provider like Robert B. Hill Co. makes sure your system:

• Is properly sized for your building
• Uses the right combination of technologies
• Meets EPA and state compliance standards
• Includes ongoing service, monitoring, and media replacement

From hospitals to hotels to high-tech manufacturing facilities, we have designed and installed PFAS removal systems that are both effective and affordable.

What Happens to Removed PFAS?

This is a key concern for any responsible facility manager. PFAS-laden media must be handled carefully. Many removal systems trap PFAS in carbon or resin filters, which are then incinerated at high temperatures in specialized facilities.

Improper disposal can reintroduce PFAS into the environment. That’s why Robert B. Hill Co. partners with certified disposal providers who follow EPA-approved methods.

Don’t Wait for a Mandate

PFAS regulation is tightening fast. The EPA is moving toward enforceable limits on PFAS in drinking water, and some states already have their own requirements in place.

Being proactive now protects your property, your people, and your reputation. Whether you operate a single commercial building or manage a large portfolio, addressing PFAS today will save you from costly problems tomorrow.

Contact Robert B. Hill Co. for a consultation. Our team will assess your water, explain your options, and create a system tailored to your needs.

FAQs About PFAS Removal

Do water filters remove PFAS?

Standard household filters usually don’t remove PFAS effectively. However, certain commercial-grade water filter systems using activated carbon, reverse osmosis, or ion exchange can significantly reduce PFAS levels. It’s important to choose filters certified for PFAS removal.

How does ion exchange resin help with PFAS removal?

Ion exchange resin uses charged beads to attract and trap PFAS molecules, especially the short-chain varieties that activated carbon may miss. It’s highly effective in continuous flow systems used in commercial and industrial settings. These systems often require professional setup and routine monitoring.

What PFAS removal technologies are used in commercial buildings?

The most common PFAS removal technologies are granular activated carbon (GAC), ion exchange resin, and reverse osmosis. Each targets different PFAS compounds and water conditions. Many systems use a combination of these methods for best results.

What are PFAS removal services and why do I need them?

PFAS removal services include testing, system design, installation, and ongoing maintenance of treatment equipment. These services ensure compliance with EPA regulations and safe water for your building. Working with a water treatment provider like Robert B. Hill Co. ensures your system is properly engineered.

What is the electrochemical method for PFAS removal?

Electrochemical oxidation breaks down PFAS at the molecular level using electric current and specialized electrodes. It’s an emerging technology often used in pilot programs or advanced wastewater treatment plants. While effective, it is not yet widely deployed in commercial buildings due to cost.

How is PFAS removed from wastewater in commercial or industrial buildings?

Wastewater treatment for PFAS often involves a multi-step process using filtration, carbon adsorption, and ion exchange. Some facilities also use foam fractionation or advanced oxidation for high-concentration waste streams. PFAS-laden materials are then safely disposed of in accordance with environmental regulations.