Local Water Quality
PFAS Forever Chemicals in Deltona, FL: What Homeowners Need to Know
PFAS — per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — have become one of the most discussed water quality concerns in the United States, and Florida is no exception. Deltona residents may wonder whether their water supply contains these so-called 'forever chemicals,' what the health implications are, and what steps they can take to protect their household.
Why PFAS Are Called Forever Chemicals
PFAS are a class of thousands of synthetic chemicals used in manufacturing and consumer products since the 1940s — non-stick cookware, firefighting foam, waterproof clothing, food packaging, and dozens of industrial applications. They're called 'forever chemicals' because the carbon-fluorine bond in their molecular structure is one of the strongest in organic chemistry. Neither natural degradation nor conventional water treatment breaks them down.
Once PFAS enter the environment — through industrial discharges, fire training sites, landfill leachate, or agricultural land treated with sewage sludge — they migrate into groundwater and surface water. Because the Floridan Aquifer system is recharged by rainwater percolating through the land surface, PFAS from surface contamination can and do reach drinking water sources.
Florida Context: Documented PFAS Sites
Florida has numerous documented PFAS contamination sites, many associated with military bases and airports where AFFF (aqueous film-forming foam) was used for fire training. Naval Air Station Jacksonville, MacDill Air Force Base, and multiple Florida airports are among the known sources. Deltona is located in Volusia County in the St. Johns River Basin region. While Deltona does not sit adjacent to a known major PFAS point source, the regional groundwater systems are interconnected and PFAS has been detected in water systems throughout Central Florida.
The EPA's new PFAS maximum contaminant levels — set in 2024 at 4 parts per trillion for PFOA and PFOS — now require Deltona's utility to test and disclose PFAS levels. Homeowners can request recent PFAS testing data from their utility or review the annual Consumer Confidence Report.
Health Implications
The EPA and major health organizations have linked chronic PFAS exposure to effects on the immune system, thyroid function, liver health, cholesterol levels, and increased risk of certain cancers. Children and pregnant women are considered more vulnerable populations. Because PFAS accumulate in the body over time, lifetime exposure through drinking water is more relevant than any single measured concentration.
The Solution: Reverse Osmosis
Reverse osmosis (RO) is the most effective point-of-use technology for PFAS removal. A properly sized RO membrane removes 90-99% of PFAS compounds from drinking water — far more effective than standard carbon filters. The NSF/ANSI 58 certification specifically covers PFAS removal by RO systems.
For Deltona homes, an under-sink reverse osmosis system provides PFAS-free water at the kitchen tap for drinking, cooking, and ice making. The H2O Heroes installs NSF-certified reverse osmosis systems throughout Volusia County and Deltona. We test your water first, explain your actual results, and recommend proportionate solutions. Request your free PFAS-focused water consultation from The H2O Heroes today.