Fleck PFAS Forever Chemicals Filter

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What Are the Key Differences Between Granular Carbon and Ion-Exchange Resin for PFAS Treatment?

Granular activated carbon (GAC) beds and ion-exchange resins are two common technologies used to reduce per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in water. They operate differently and their documented performance varies depending on the fluorinated compounds targeted. GAC beds attract and hold organic molecules like PFOA and PFOS on their porous surfaces, often requiring replacement or regeneration after reaching capacity. Ion-exchange resins work by exchanging ions in the water with ions attached to the resin, effectively capturing certain PFAS more selectively and often with different operational lifespans.

Government monitoring data for Florence’s public water system indicate detections of PFOA and PFOS above reporting levels but below or slightly exceeding new federal maximum contaminant levels (MCLs). Since these compounds differ chemically and in concentration, the suitability of a granular carbon bed or ion-exchange resin depends on which PFAS predominate and the specific household water demand.

Understanding the Hazard Index for Newer PFAS Compounds Without Making Health Claims

PFAS consist of many related compounds beyond PFOA and PFOS, including PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA, PFBS, PFHxA, PFPeA, PFBA, and PFHpA. Florence’s water system monitoring detected some of these in trace amounts but usually below reporting limits or without federal MCLs established yet.

The hazard index is a calculated value assessing combined potential effects of multiple PFAS compounds acting together. Data for Florence show detections vary, but no formal health-based violations were recorded for these newer compounds in the system’s records. It is important to interpret these values cautiously: a hazard index does not confirm risk to health but indicates the need for further monitoring and possibly preventive treatment choices by households.

What Happens if PFAS Are Left Untreated Over Time?

Prolonged exposure to PFAS in drinking water can lead to accumulation in the body since these compounds are highly persistent, earning them the nickname "forever chemicals." While the Florence water system has recorded some health-based violations overall, the PFAS detections specifically are measured by federal surveys rather than direct compliance testing, and their levels are generally near or below current regulatory limits. Untreated PFAS may affect taste or staining in plumbing at higher concentrations but more importantly represent a consideration for long-term water quality and exposure.

Households seeking to manage this should consider that treatment effectiveness depends on the type of PFAS present, concentrations, and water flow rates. Selecting suitable equipment responsive to their demand helps avoid unnecessary overcapacity or underperformance.

How Does the UCMR5 Survey Differ From UCMR3 in PFAS Monitoring?

The Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR) surveys track contaminants not yet fully regulated but of concern. Florence’s water system participated in the UCMR5 survey from late 2024 to late 2025, which measured a broader range of PFAS compounds and used lower reporting levels compared to UCMR3 conducted years earlier.

UCMR5 tested for nine PFAS compounds including PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA, PFBS, PFHxA, PFPeA, PFBA, and PFHpA, whereas UCMR3 focused on a smaller subset. Detection limits were also lowered, enabling identification of trace amounts previously undetected. This more comprehensive monitoring provides updated data relevant to treatment decisions in Florence.

How Do PFAS Enter Groundwater or the Distribution System in Florence?

In Florence, the primary water source is surface water, which can be influenced by industrial discharges, firefighting foam residues, wastewater treatment plant effluents, and runoff carrying fluorinated compounds. These sources contribute PFAS to the watershed, which the water treatment plant processes before distribution.

While the city system has reported health-based violations unrelated to PFAS, the federal survey detected low-level PFAS in treated water. These findings reflect the transport and persistence characteristics of "forever chemicals" rather than localized contamination of individual household wells or plumbing.

To understand household-level PFAS presence, testing of individual water samples is necessary. Treatment equipment selection should be based on these measured concentrations and household water use patterns to optimize performance.

For Florence residents with measured water demand, the Fleck PFAS Forever Chemicals Filter ships ready to configure and uses documented filtration methods to reduce PFAS including PFOA and PFOS effectively. Considering the specific PFAS profile and flow rates for your home can help you choose between granular carbon and ion-exchange resin options to meet your needs.

Where this information comes from

Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2025-09-15. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.

On record: EPA UCMR5 monitoring (2023-2025) for FLORENCE CITY OF (SC2110001) (SC2110001), SC: 280 results across 10 listed contaminants, 18 detections above the reporting level; 7 results above a 2024 federal MCL