GAC vs. Reverse Osmosis: Choosing the Right PFAS Water Treatment System for Your Home
Finding PFAS ("forever chemicals") in your water means a filtration solution is necessary, but which one? At Aqua Doctor, we primarily rely on two proven technologies to combat these contaminants: Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) and Reverse Osmosis (RO) systems.
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC): The Whole-House Defender
GAC filtration works by using highly porous carbon media to chemically absorb PFAS molecules. Installed as a Point-of-Entry (POE) system, it treats all water entering your home. GAC is effective against long-chain PFAS (like PFOA and PFOS) and is generally more cost-effective for treating a whole house. However, this system relies on professional, scheduled carbon media replacement to ensure it continues to meet certified performance standards.
Reverse Osmosis (RO): Precision at the Faucet
RO systems physically purify water by forcing it through a specialized semi-permeable membrane, trapping contaminants down to a molecular level. Usually a Point-of-Use (POU) system, RO treats water only at the tap used for drinking and cooking. RO provides the highest level of purification, even effectively targeting complex short-chain PFAS. The drawback is a slower flow rate, and whole-house RO installation is significantly more complex and costly.
Choosing Your System: Contamination vs. Coverage
Your specific water test results dictate the best solution. If high-volume, whole-house protection is your priority, a POE GAC system is often recommended. If low-level or short-chain contamination requires the purest possible drinking water, a POU RO system provides the highest assurance. Aqua Doctor's certified testing pinpoints the exact PFAS types and levels to guide your custom prescription.
Maintenance, Cost, and Flow Rate Considerations
Both technologies require routine maintenance. GAC systems offer high flow but demand scheduled media replacement, while RO systems deliver ultra-pure water with slower flow, requiring membrane and pre-filter changes. In both cases, certified installation and expert maintenance are non-negotiable to maintain guaranteed system effectiveness and compliance.
Your Custom Filtration Prescription
Choosing the right filtration system is a precision diagnosis, not a guess. We use your certified lab results to weigh the cost and purity trade-offs between POU and POE options. Contact Aqua Doctor today for a comprehensive consultation and get the perfect, custom-built filtration prescription for your home.