Behind the bubbles: There’s PFAS in your sparkling water

February 19, 2025. Sparkling water brands like LaCroix and Spindrift have become office staples thanks to clever marketing that positions these beverages as healthier, refreshing alternatives to soda or plain tap water. But beneath the crisp bubbles and trendy branding lies a hidden risk.  

Recent studies have revealed that many canned sparkling waters contain measurable amounts of “forever chemicals,” known as PFAS—synthetic compounds linked to serious health concerns like cancer, hormone imbalance, and liver damage. Although PFAS levels in these sparkling beverages are below the federal government’s voluntary guidelines, they are still far higher than most frequent consumers realize. 

Maybe you didn’t know PFAS was in sparkling water at all. Hard to believe? The truth is, PFAS have found their way into and are lingering in our drinking water because there is no true, stringent limit set against them or standard upheld for their removal. (Even though we’ve known for decades how toxic they are to ingest.) This truth also means you, as the consumer, need to be the most aware party and figure out how to get around ingesting these chemicals as you try to stay hydrated.

What are PFAS and how did they get into our water?

PFAS are synthetic chemicals used since the 1940s to repel water, grease, and stains. They’re found in non-stick cookware, water-resistant clothing, food packaging, and firefighting foams. While their durability makes them useful, it also means they don’t break down naturally and accumulate in soil, water, and the human body over time.

These chemicals enter rivers, lakes, and groundwater through industrial runoff, landfill leaching, and wastewater from common household products, such as the production of non-stick cookware and stain-resistant fabrics. Yet, this raises an urgent question: How are these contaminants making their way into beverages marketed as clean and refreshing? Understanding the contamination sources is key to making informed choices about your hydration.

How do PFAS wind up in bottled sparkling water?

While public water systems must monitor and report PFAS, bottled/canned water companies are frequently exempt, leaving a gap in consumer protection. A Consumer Reports (CR) study found that many popular carbonated water brands contained measurable PFAS. While many brands fell within the federally declared “safe zone” of less than four parts per trillion (PPT), some experts believe that even 1 PPT poses risks. 

Despite growing regulatory scrutiny, PFAS contamination remains widespread, infiltrating bottled sparkling water through several key pathways.

1. Contaminated source water

When bottling companies utilize untreated municipal water (it’s more common than you think), already present in this water supply can persist in the final beverage products.

Carbonation can also interfere with effective filtration, depending on where it’s added during the bottling process, further allowing these chemicals to remain intact.

2. Manufacturing and carbonation processes

PFAS are commonly used in manufacturing equipment and materials within the food and beverage industry due to their nonstick and water-resistant properties. They are most often found in nonstick coatings on food processing equipment, sealing gaskets, and food and beverage packaging materials, all of which pose contamination risks because PFAS can leach into food and beverages during processing.The FDA has authorized certain PFAS applications, but ongoing research highlights potential exposure risks. Increased regulatory scrutiny aims to mitigate PFAS migration into consumables and improve safety in carbonation and bottling processes.

3. Packaging materials

Similarly, certain types of bottle linings and caps may contain PFAS. Studies have found that some food and beverage packaging materials, particularly those designed for moisture resistance, are treated with PFAS to prevent leakage and degradation. Over time, these chemicals can migrate into the liquid contents, exposing consumers to persistent contaminants.

Clearly, regulation in the United States is woefully lagging. Even brands that comply with FDA regulations still contain trace amounts of PFAS. However PFAS wind up in your glass, the fact remains: the long-term risk of ingesting PFAs outweighs the short-term convenience of canned or bottled water.

The health risks of PFAS exposure

PFAS exposure actively interferes with key biological functions. Imagine your body as a finely tuned machine, constantly regulating hormones, processing nutrients, and flushing out waste. PFAS disrupt this balance, binding to proteins in your blood and mimicking natural hormones, throwing off essential functions like metabolism and immune response.

Over time, these chemicals accumulate in fatty tissues and organs, interfering with liver function, elevating cholesterol levels, and impairing the body’s ability to fight infections. Researchers have also linked PFAS to thyroid dysfunction, which can slow metabolism and lead to chronic fatigue. 

The long-term effects don’t stop there—these chemicals have been found in the placenta and umbilical cord blood, suggesting they can impact fetal development and contribute to reproductive health issues.

One of the most alarming aspects of PFAS exposure is its connection to cancer. Studies have found that individuals with prolonged PFAS exposure face higher risks of kidney, testicular, and breast cancer, as these chemicals interfere with the body’s ability to regulate cell growth and repair damaged DNA. 

Unlike other toxins that the body can eventually flush out, PFAS remain in circulation, slowly accumulating with every sip of contaminated water.

How can you reduce your PFAS exposure from sparkling water?

Since PFAS contamination is so widespread, avoiding them entirely can be difficult. However, there are practical steps you can take to minimize your exposure and ensure you’re drinking cleaner, safer water:

• Choose brands that test for PFAS: Some sparkling water brands voluntarily test for PFAS and publish their results. Checking for transparency in testing can help you make safer choices. Look for brands that provide lab-tested reports or certifications.
  
• Use point-of-source filtration: Not all filters are effective at removing PFAS. Look for filters labeled as activated carbon filtration or reverse osmosis, which are the most effective at reducing PFAS levels. Bevi’s smart water coolers use advanced carbon filtration technology to ensure you’re getting the cleanest possible water.
  
• Avoid plastic bottled and canned sparkling water altogether: Drinking bottled or canned water always carries a risk, as consumers have little control over what contaminants may be present. PFAS can leach from packaging into your drink, particularly in non-PFAS-resistant plastics and aluminum cans with chemical coatings. Glass bottles are a safer alternative, as they do not contain these harmful substances.