Amongst the numerous water contaminants found in US water supplies, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have become a leading problem that continues to evolve. Often referred to as “forever chemicals,” PFAS persist in the environment and pose health risks when they enter drinking water supplies. For homeowners and businesses, understanding the difference between long- and short-chain PFAS is essential in making informed decisions about water treatment.
To help you in your journey to safe, clean water, Hague Quality Water of Maryland will break down these differences, explore why they matter, and highlight practical ways you can safeguard your water supply. By the end of this blog, you will be better equipped to determine what you need to be confident in using your tap water.
What Are PFAS?
The first PFAS was discovered by Roy Plunkett, who used it to invent the infamous Teflon. This quickly led to the development and use of various other PFAS in industrial and consumer products like firefighting foam, food packaging, and waterproof fabrics.
Due to their resistance to heat, water, and oil, PFAS are incredibly persistent in the environment. They do not easily break down, and once they enter groundwater or surface water, they can accumulate and remain for decades.
Exposure to these human-made chemicals has been linked to numerous health issues. Some of the most concerning are an increased risk of certain cancers, immune system suppression, and even developmental issues in children.
Because they are so widespread, many communities in Maryland and beyond are facing water contamination challenges. The concerning levels at which PFAS are being found in drinking water have amplified the need for effective and accessible water treatment systems. But it’s important to know the difference between the types of PFAS since certain types require more advanced treatments.
The Distinction Between Long-Chain and Short-Chain PFAS
PFAS can be categorized into two main types: long-chain and short-chain. This distinction is based on the length of their carbon chain. Long-chain PFAS, such as PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) and PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate), contain more carbon atoms, typically six or more. These compounds are particularly concerning because they tend to bioaccumulate in humans and wildlife, leading to long-term health risks.
In contrast, short-chain PFAS, which contain fewer than six carbon atoms, were developed as replacement chemicals when long-chain PFAS began to face regulatory restrictions. While short-chain PFAS are less likely to build up in the body, they are highly mobile in the environment and can travel more easily through groundwater. They are also the type that have presented more filtration challenges.
The Concerns Surrounding Long-Chain PFAS
Long-chain PFAS, including compounds like PFOA and PFOS, are the most widely studied and also the most alarming when it comes to human health. Their larger molecular structure allows them to strongly bind to proteins in your blood, liver, and other organs. This strong binding capacity means long-chain PFAS can persist in the human body for years, even if exposure stops. Over time, these chemicals accumulate, a process known as bioaccumulation, which increases the potential for chronic health effects.
Research has linked long-chain PFAS exposure to a variety of health issues. Some of these include liver damage, thyroid disease, developmental problems in children, immune system suppression, and an elevated risk of certain cancers. Because of these well-documented risks, long-chain PFAS have been a major focus of environmental and public health investigations.
Communities across the United States, including some in Maryland, have discovered long-chain PFAS in their drinking water. In response, the EPA has issued health advisories and is moving toward stricter regulatory limits on these compounds. These developments highlight why understanding long-chain PFAS is so important. They are not just industrial chemicals from decades past. They continue to impact water supplies today and remain one of the top roadblocks to safe, clean drinking water.
The Rising Use of Short-Chain PFAS
As regulatory pressure mounted against long-chain PFAS, industries turned to short-chain PFAS as replacements. These newer compounds were targeted due to their smaller number of carbon atoms. This was appealing because the fewer carbon atoms meant less bioaccumulation in human bodies. However, the widespread adoption of short-chain PFAS has not eliminated the PFAS problem — it has simply created a different set of challenges.
Short-chain PFAS are far more mobile in the environment than their long-chain counterparts due to their being less likely to bind to soil materials. This means short-chain PFAS travel quickly through soil and groundwater, spreading contamination across larger areas and making it harder to contain. Their smaller molecular size also makes them more resistant to traditional water treatment methods, often passing through standard carbon filters that can capture long-chain PFAS.
Although short-chain PFAS don’t linger in the body as long, research suggests that they still cause health risks, including developmental and immune system effects. Their rapid environmental spread means that once contamination occurs, it is more difficult and costly to address. Communities dealing with PFAS pollution often find that short-chain compounds are the most persistent in groundwater testing.
The rising reliance on short-chain PFAS demonstrates that simply replacing one class of chemicals with another doesn’t solve the broader issue. Instead, we are all left dealing with a more complicated water quality issue. The good news is there are still ways to effectively address both long-chain and short-chain PFAS contamination in your water.
Effective Solutions for PFAS Removal
The most effective methods for PFAS removal are based on the type of PFAS you are dealing with. Common solutions include granular activated carbon (GAC), ion exchange resins, and reverse osmosis (RO). Each of these technologies has its own strengths, which influence whether they are the best option for you. Let’s explore each water treatment system so you can gain a better understanding of how they can be used to address PFAS contamination.
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC)
GAC is one of the most common water filtration options for households and businesses. As water flows through the carbon media of a GAC system, contaminant molecules are adsorbed onto the media’s surface. This significantly reduces contamination levels. These systems have been the go-to for PFAS removal for years.
The activated carbon is effective against long-chain compounds like PFOA and PFOS, making it an excellent choice if your water issue is specific to long-chain PFAS. However, GAC is less effective against short-chain PFAS since these compounds are able to pass through the media without being consistently captured. For this reason, detailed water testing would be required to identify the types of PFAS present in your water. This will reveal if a GAC water filtration system is an effective solution for you.
Ion Exchange Resins
Ion exchange resins are a powerful tool for PFAS removal because they target contaminants differently than carbon filters. Instead of adsorption, the resins use a chemical process that swaps harmless ions for PFAS molecules in the water. This process effectively removes both long- and short-chain PFAS, making ion exchange a versatile option for diverse contamination profiles.
One of the advantages of ion exchange is its high capacity for capturing PFAS, even in water supplies with elevated contamination levels. This makes it especially appealing for commercial and industrial applications where demand is high, or for communities needing large-scale treatment. However, effectiveness depends on proper system design and ongoing maintenance. Resin beds need to be regenerated or replaced periodically, and water chemistry must be carefully monitored to ensure continued performance. When maintained correctly, ion exchange systems deliver consistent results and are a reliable method for tackling a wide range of PFAS concerns.
Reverse Osmosis (RO)
Reverse osmosis offers one of the most comprehensive approaches to PFAS removal. These systems work by forcing water through a semipermeable membrane that blocks contaminants at the molecular level. Because the pores of the membrane are so small, both long-chain and short-chain PFAS are effectively removed, along with other harmful pollutants such as heavy metals, nitrates, and microplastics.
RO systems are most often used as point-of-use filtration solutions, typically installed under a kitchen sink. While they are highly effective, their slower filtration rate makes them impractical as whole-home systems unless paired with additional technology. Many homeowners opt to combine an RO unit with a whole-home filtration system to achieve maximum filtration.
It’s worth noting that RO systems produce some wastewater as part of their process, which can be a consideration for households aiming to minimize water usage. Still, their unmatched effectiveness and ability to remove both categories of PFAS make reverse osmosis one of the most reliable long-term solutions for achieving safe, clean drinking water.
The Role of Regulations and Standards
Federal and state agencies are working to address the growing PFAS problem by setting advisory levels and regulations. The EPA has proposed enforceable limits for certain PFAS in drinking water, with a focus on the most dangerous long-chain compounds. In Maryland, local water authorities are testing for PFAS and preparing to meet stricter compliance standards.
However, regulatory action takes time, and contamination does not wait. You cannot rely solely on public water suppliers to guarantee protection. Private wells are even more vulnerable since they’re not monitored by municipal authorities.
Hague Quality Water of Maryland bridges this gap by offering professional water testing and treatment solutions for PFAS. By staying up to date with evolving regulations, we ensure our systems meet or exceed required standards. Whether you operate a business that must maintain compliance or you want to safeguard your family’s drinking water, our expertise provides a proactive and reliable solution. Regulations may set the baseline, but our goal is to deliver clean drinking water that goes beyond minimum requirements.
How PFAS Impact Homeowners and Businesses in Maryland
PFAS contamination doesn’t affect everyone equally. For homeowners, the risks may include exposure through cooking, drinking, and bathing, which can impact family health over time. Private well owners, in particular, face higher risks if their wells are located near industrial areas, airports, or landfills—common sources of PFAS pollution.
For businesses, especially those in the healthcare and hospitality industries, water quality directly impacts operations and customer trust. PFAS contamination can lead to compliance issues, reputational harm, and potential financial liabilities. For example, restaurants depend on clean water for food preparation, while healthcare facilities must ensure safe water for vulnerable patients.
Hague Quality Water of Maryland understands these unique challenges and provides tailored solutions for both residential and commercial clients. From whole-home systems to large-scale commercial filtration, we ensure water safety without compromising efficiency. By addressing PFAS risks head-on, we help Maryland’s homeowners and businesses protect what matters most: health, safety, and trust.
Why Hague Quality Water of MD Is the Right Choice
While PFAS contamination is a complex issue, understanding the difference between long- and short-chain PFAS will enable you to make effective water treatment decisions. Hague Quality Water of Maryland is also here to guide you through selecting from our available water filtration systems.
We have years of experience dealing with the evolving challenges of PFAS in water supplies. And we are experts in the effectiveness of different water treatment systems. We can provide you with comprehensive water testing to determine if your water has a PFAS issue. If it does, we will work with you to match you with the right water treatment plan that will remove PFAS and any other impurities, providing you with clean, safe water.
If you’re concerned about PFAS in your drinking water, now is the time to act. Contact Hague Quality Water of Maryland today to schedule a consultation and discover how our proven solutions can restore your confidence in your drinking water.
