In Beer Even? No, no, Noooo!

Why Every Home Needs a Water Filter: The Shocking Truth about “Forever Chemicals” in Beer and Our Water.

Introduction

If you thought the only thing you needed to worry about in your favorite craft beer was the hops or alcohol content, think again. Recent investigations, such as those reported by The New Lede, reveal the presence of PFAS—so-called “forever chemicals”—not just in water, but even in popular beers brewed across the United States. The findings are alarming for beer lovers and anyone who values their health. But there’s good news: a quality water filter can make a world of difference in protecting you from these stubborn contaminants.

The PFAS Problem: What Are They, and Why Should You Care?

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of man-made chemicals that have been used since the 1940s in products like non-stick cookware, water-repellent clothing, food packaging, and, worryingly, in firefighting foam. Their nickname “forever chemicals” comes from their persistence—they don’t break down in the environment or in our bodies, and over time, can accumulate to dangerous levels.

Research has linked PFAS exposure to a host of health problems, including:

1. Hormonal disruption
2. Reduced immune response
3. Increased risk of certain cancers
4. High cholesterol
5. Developmental delays in children

While the EPA and several states have worked to limit PFAS in drinking water, the problem is widespread and complex.

New Research: PFAS in America’s Favorite Beverages

The New Lede’s May 2025 report spotlights a surprising new vector of PFAS exposure: beer. Testing on a range of beers—both big brands and craft labels—found measurable levels of these toxic chemicals in most samples.

How do PFAS get into beer? The answer is twofold:

1. Contaminated water: Breweries draw from local municipal water supplies, often sourced from rivers, reservoirs, or wells already affected by decades of PFAS pollution.
2. Ingredients: In some cases, agricultural inputs like barley or hops might be irrigated with or processed in contaminated water.

If beer—a product that undergoes filtration and processing—isn’t safe, what does that say about our tap water or the ice in your next gin and tonic?

The Inadequacy of Conventional Solutions

Many municipalities still rely on outdated water treatment methods that are not designed to filter out PFAS. Traditional methods such as sedimentation and basic carbon filtration simply can’t keep up with the problem. Even bottled water isn’t always a safe bet; studies have found some brands to be contaminated as well.

The EPA now recommends that PFAS levels in drinking water stay well below 4 parts per trillion (ppt) for certain types. Yet, according to The New Lede’s findings and broader research, levels exceed these standards in many American communities—and in popular consumer products like beer.

Why a Home Water Filter is an Essential Defense

This brings us to the most practical response: investing in a high-quality water filter. Not all filters are created equal, however. If you’re serious about reducing PFAS and other chemical contaminants, it’s important to select a filter designed and certified to remove “forever chemicals.”

How Water Filters Work Against PFAS

The most effective water filter systems for PFAS removal include:

1. Activated carbon filtration: Especially granular activated carbon (GAC), which binds PFAS molecules and traps them.
2. Reverse osmosis: Uses pressure and a semi-permeable membrane to physically exclude PFAS and other small contaminants.
3. Ion exchange resins: These can remove a variety of PFAS types by swapping “safe” ions for the harmful ones in your water.

Beer, Water, and Your Daily Life

What does all this mean for the average person? If PFAS can survive the brewing process and end up in the beer you drink, they’re certainly getting through the pipes and taps that supply your home. Whether you’re an athlete hydrating with water, a parent mixing formula, or just someone who enjoys a cold beer at the end of the day, your personal water filter is the last line of defense.

Plus, when you use filtered water for cooking, ice, coffee, and tea, you’re minimizing exposure everywhere PFAS might sneak in.

The Added Benefits of Using a Water Filter

While removing PFAS is a headline benefit, using a water filter offers much more:

1. Improved Taste and Smell: Activated carbon and other media remove chlorine, sediments, and organic chemicals that cause off-flavors.
2. Reduced Heavy Metals: Good filters catch lead, mercury, and arsenic—even those that sneak in from old pipes.
3. Protection from Other Contaminants: Pharmaceuticals, pesticides, hormones, and microplastics are all on the rise in water supplies globally.
4. Eco-Friendly: Whole-house or countertop filters significantly reduce the need for single-use bottled water, cutting down on plastic waste.
5. Peace of Mind: Knowing your family is drinking cleaner, safer water is an investment in long-term health.

How to Choose the Right Water Filter

When shopping for a water filter to combat PFAS and more, consider:

1. Type and Placement: Countertop, under-sink, pitcher, or whole-house—pick according to your needs and budget.
2. Filter Maintenance: Regular filter changes are necessary for ongoing performance.
3. Transparency: Brands should provide third-party lab test results.

Conclusion: Don’t Wait—Protect Yourself Now

PFAS contamination is a wake-up call. If it’s in beer, it’s most likely in unfiltered tap water as well. While regulators and water utilities work slowly to adapt, you can take control with a certified water filter right at home.

Be proactive about your health. Choose a water filter system that you trust, and make safe water—whether in a glass, coffee mug, or beer stein—part of your daily routine.

Your water, your health, your choice. Don’t let “forever chemicals” become a forever problem.

References:

1. PFAS in beer: Study finds ‘forever chemicals’ in popular brands
2. EPA: PFAS in Drinking Water