Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS or “forever chemicals,” remain a significant concern for public water systems and private well owners across the United States.
Recent developments in Gilbert, Arizona, and Tiverton, Rhode Island, demonstrate how communities are responding to PFAS detections through monitoring, source investigation and treatment planning. They also underscore the important role water professionals play in protecting drinking water and building resilient treatment systems.
Gilbert Takes Municipal Wells Offline Following PFAS Detections
Gilbert, Arizona, recently took two municipal wells offline after PFAS were detected during federal monitoring.
According to ABC15, the detections were limited to a small number of sites and were not found throughout the town’s water system. Gilbert officials said the community’s drinking water continues to meet applicable state and federal standards and that the town has sufficient capacity to meet demand while Wells 7 and 16 remain out of service.
The response illustrates how proactive monitoring can help utilities identify potential concerns and take precautionary measures before water quality is affected systemwide.
Gilbert is also investing in broader infrastructure improvements, including upgrades to its North Water Treatment Plant and the addition of groundwater wells. These projects come as Arizona communities contend with aging infrastructure and continued uncertainty surrounding the Colorado River.
For water professionals, Gilbert’s experience highlights the importance of maintaining operational flexibility. When a source must be removed from service, utilities need sufficient capacity, alternative supplies and treatment strategies to continue delivering reliable drinking water.
Rhode Island Investigates PFAS in Private Wells
In Tiverton, Rhode Island, state and local officials are addressing PFAS detected in private wells near the Tiverton Fire Department’s Station 3.
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management is conducting additional sampling near Crandall Road and Bolduc Lane. Officials have encouraged nearby residents with private wells to arrange free PFAS testing. Historical use of PFAS-containing firefighting foam is being investigated as a potential source of the contamination.
According to the Town of Tiverton, the state is coordinating water treatment systems at no cost for affected properties where results exceed Rhode Island’s drinking water standard.
Unlike customers served by public water systems, private well owners are generally responsible for monitoring their own water quality. Because PFAS cannot be identified by taste, smell or appearance, laboratory testing is necessary to determine whether the chemicals are present.
The Tiverton investigation demonstrates the importance of identifying potential contamination sources, defining the affected area and quickly providing residents with access to testing and appropriate treatment.
An Evolving Regulatory Landscape
In 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency established the first federal drinking water standards for six PFAS. The rule set enforceable maximum contaminant levels for PFOA and PFOS, as well as standards for several additional PFAS individually or in mixtures.
Under the 2024 rule, public water systems were required to complete initial monitoring by 2027, provide customers with information about detected PFAS and implement treatment when regulated levels were exceeded.
The regulatory landscape continues to evolve. In May 2026, EPA proposed maintaining the standards for PFOA and PFOS while allowing qualifying systems additional time—potentially until 2031—to meet the limits. The agency also proposed rescinding the federal standards for PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA, commonly called GenX chemicals, and the associated PFAS Hazard Index. Those proposals are subject to the federal rulemaking process.
Water professionals should therefore continue following federal and state requirements closely. Some states have established their own PFAS limits, monitoring programs or response standards, which may differ from federal requirements.
What PFAS Means for Water Professionals
PFAS are persistent compounds that resist natural breakdown and can remain in the environment for long periods. Certain PFAS have also been associated with adverse health effects, making early detection and effective exposure reduction important.
The developments in Gilbert and Tiverton point to several priorities for water professionals:
- Identify contaminants of concern and understand applicable federal and state standards.
- Establish reliable sampling and monitoring programs.
- Evaluate source-water conditions and potential contamination pathways.
- Select treatment technologies based on water chemistry, PFAS composition, system size and operating requirements.
- Plan for media replacement, residual management and long-term maintenance.
- Communicate testing results and response measures clearly to customers and communities.
- Build redundancy into water systems so service can continue when a source is taken offline.
PFAS treatment is not a one-size-fits-all process. Technologies such as granular activated carbon, ion exchange and reverse osmosis may reduce certain PFAS, but their performance and operating requirements vary. Treatability testing and careful system design are essential when selecting an appropriate approach.
Supporting Reliable Drinking Water Treatment Strategies
ENPRESS supports water professionals with filtration solutions designed to address a range of water treatment challenges.
As PFAS concerns and regulatory requirements evolve, dependable equipment and thoughtful system design will remain essential. Treatment solutions should be selected with long-term performance, installation, operation and maintenance in mind.
By combining reliable monitoring with properly designed treatment, water professionals can help communities respond to current contamination and prepare for future water quality challenges.
The Takeaway
The situations in Arizona and Rhode Island show how PFAS can affect both municipal supplies and private wells. They also demonstrate the value of early detection, transparent communication, operational flexibility and timely access to treatment.
For water professionals, the message is clear: continued monitoring, informed treatment planning and resilient infrastructure are critical to protecting drinking water. As PFAS science and regulations continue to develop, industry expertise will remain central to delivering practical, sustainable water quality solutions.
Explore ENPRESS filtration solutions designed to help water professionals address groundwater quality challenges with reliable, serviceable treatment strategies.
PIONEER REMOVES LEAD, CYST & PFOA/PFOS
PIONEER is the First of its Kind Whole-House Lead, Cyst & PFOA/PFOS Filtration Solution! Contact us to learn more about this revolutionary product.
