Cadillac, Michigan PFAS Contamination: What You Need to Know

Residents in and around Cadillac, Michigan, are facing growing concerns over the presence of PFAS in their well water. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) discovered elevated levels of these potentially harmful chemicals in private well water in the Cadillac Industrial Park. This prompted increased testing and public health efforts.

This discovery has raised concerns throughout the region and underscores how vital it is for homeowners to be proactive about their water quality. About 2.6 million Michigan residents rely on private wells, which are not required to undergo testing or meet water quality standards.

If you’re wondering whether your water is safe or how to respond to possible PFAS exposure, now is the time to act.

What Happened in Cadillac, Michigan?

An investigation began when local well water testing in the Cadillac Industrial Park area showed elevated levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The state responded by expanding testing to identify the full extent of contamination.

Initially, attention was focused on the nearby industrial park as a possible source. In many Michigan communities, industrial activities have contributed to PFAS contamination through manufacturing byproducts and improper chemical disposal. However, further investigation shifted the focus away from the industrial park.

State officials now believe the contamination, seemingly peppered throughout Cadillac, may be linked to household septic systems. Septic systems have the potential to leach PFAS-containing waste into groundwater.

This shift shows how complex PFAS contamination in Michigan and across the country can be. These chemicals are persistent, mobile in water, and often difficult to trace to a single source. Regardless of where they come from, the health risks associated with exposure to PFAS are clear.

Why Are PFAS in Drinking Water Dangerous?

PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals used for decades in a wide variety of products. This includes everything from nonstick cookware and water-repellent fabrics to food packaging and firefighting foams. Because they are designed to resist heat, water, and oil, PFAS do not easily break down in the environment or in the human body. This has earned them the nickname “forever chemicals.”

Scientific research has linked PFAS exposure to many serious health problems, including:

  • Increased risk of kidney and testicular cancer
  • Hormonal disruption and elevated risk of thyroid disease
  • Increased cholesterol levels
  • Minor decreases in birth weights
  • Developmental delays in children
  • Weakened immune system response, including weakened vaccine response
  • Changes in liver enzymes

As we come to understand more about the threats that follow water contamination from PFAS, laws are still developing. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently issued maximum contaminant levels for some PFAS in drinking water. Unfortunately, since PFAS are tasteless, odorless, and invisible, the only way to know if they’re in your water is through specialized testing.

How Pure Water Works Can Help

Pure Water Works has been serving Michigan communities for over 40 years. We are a local water treatment company helping homeowners and businesses improve the quality of their water.

We offer:

  • Comprehensive Testing: Our advanced testing services can identify PFAS and other contaminants in your well or public water system. We use certified testing methods and provide detailed results so you know exactly what you’re dealing with.
  • PFAS Removal Solutions: Not all filters remove PFAS. One of the most effective technologies for PFAS treatment is reverse osmosis (RO) drinking water systems. We install and maintain high-quality RO equipment that can reduce or eliminate PFAS from water. We also offer specialized filtration and purified bottled water delivery.
  • Personalized Recommendations: Every water source is different, so we tailor our recommendations to fit your household’s specific needs. Whether you need a single under-the-sink system or a whole-home solution, we’ll help you choose the right setup!

How Do Reverse Osmosis Systems Remove PFAS?

Reverse osmosis systems work by forcing water through a semi-permeable membrane, which removes many contaminants, including PFAS. According to the EPA, RO is one of the most reliable technologies for reducing PFAS in drinking water.

While pitcher filters and carbon cartridges can reduce some PFAS under limited conditions, RO is far more thorough. It’s especially effective when combined with pre-filtration and post-filtration stages. If you’re concerned about PFAS in your well water, an RO system from Pure Water Works is a proven way to safeguard your home.

The PIONEER™ Whole-House Filter System for PFAS

Another solution we offer is the PIONEER™ Whole-House Filtration System. This system is specifically designed to reduce:

  • PFOA and PFOS (Widely-used PFAS)
  • Lead (Soluble and particulate forms)
  • Cysts (Egg-like phases of some protozoan parasites, like Giardia and Cryptosporidium)

Key features of the PIONEER™ system include:

  • 0.5-Micron Filtration
  • Whole-House Protection
  • Long Filter Life
  • User-Friendly Design

This specialized system is ideal for providing clean drinking water to consumers with specific contamination issues. Based on water sample test results, our team can determine if the PIONEER™ is the best option for your needs.

Activated Carbon Filtration for Toxic PFAS Removal

Activated carbon is another option for PFAS removal. It works by adsorbing contaminants. Granular activated carbon (GAC) water filters are often used as part of whole-house system setups or as a pre-filtration stage. However, GAC filtration calls for unique specifications to be effective and does not remove certain types of PFAS.

Schedule a Water Analysis Today

The situation in Cadillac underscores the complexity of water contamination and the importance of regular water testing, especially for homeowners using private wells. PFAS are a growing threat across Michigan and the U.S., and they won’t go away on their own.

If you rely on well water and haven’t had it tested recently, or if you live near the affected area, contact Pure Water Works today. Our team is here to help you take control of your water quality with trusted testing and effective treatment.

Contact us now to schedule a water analysis and learn more about our whole-house filtration options. Together, we can make sure that your water remains clean and clear for years to come.