PFAS Compounds Found in Beer

Brewers Association (BA) staff has recently monitored a new study (published April 24, 2025) that found polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) chemicals in beer brewed at various breweries in the U.S. PFAS represents a group of man-made chemicals used in many consumer and industrial products. They are known as "forever chemicals" because they don't break down in the environment and can persist for long periods. BA staff have also monitored media interest in the new study, with several media reports published in early May.

The study focused on areas of the country where PFAS compounds are found in high concentrations in drinking water. Due to their "forever" nature, these chemicals can easily be transferred into beer if they are present in a brewery's source of water. According to the study, "approximately 18% of breweries operating in the United States are located within zip codes served by public water supplies with detectable PFAS in drinking water."

In 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized a national drinking water regulation for six PFAS compounds. Due to the "forever" nature of PFAS compounds, this chemical contamination is not an issue unique to the brewing industry. Contact your municipal or private water supplier to ascertain if the water your supplier provides meets the EPA allowable limits. Breweries that source their water from private wells are advised to test their water to ensure all regulations for primary drinking water are satisfied.

Common filtration methods used in breweries can, when systems are well maintained, help minimize PFAS contamination. Reverse osmosis and activated carbon filtration have been shown to be somewhat effective in removing longer-chain PFAS compounds.

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