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A recent study by RTI International reveals a concerning reality for craft brewers: municipal drinking water is the leading source of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) contamination in beer. The findings, published in Environmental Science & Technology under the title “Hold My Beer: The Linkage between Municipal Water and Brewing Location on PFAS in Popular Beverages,” used the U.S. EPA’s Method 533—originally designed for testing water—to detect PFAS in beer.

The implications for the brewing industry are significant, with consequences for water sourcing, production practices, and public health.

“RTI’s ‘Hold My Beer’ study highlights the need for broad, coordinated action to reduce PFAS in water supplies,” said Jennifer Hoponick Redmon, lead author and senior director of environmental health and water quality at RTI. “Our adapted testing method provides a practical way to detect and manage PFAS in beverages like beer, helping reduce exposure and support safer, healthier consumption.”

What Are PFAS?

PFAS are synthetic chemicals used in products like non-stick cookware, firefighting foam, and various industrial applications. Known as “forever chemicals,” they don’t easily degrade in the environment and build up in human tissue over time. Exposure has been linked to cancer, reproductive issues, and immune system disruption.

Why This Matters for Craft Brewers

Water is the single largest ingredient in beer—over 90% of the final product. Most breweries rely on local tap water for brewing and sanitation. RTI’s research found that beers brewed in areas near known PFAS contamination sites—particularly in parts of North Carolina—had markedly higher PFAS levels.

Key Findings from the Study

• PFAS were found in nearly every beer tested.
• Beers brewed in regions with PFAS-contaminated municipal water had 15 times higher odds of containing these chemicals.
• The most commonly detected compounds were PFOS, PFHxS, and PFOA—typically linked to firefighting foam and industrial runoff.
• Even within a single six-pack, can-to-can variation in PFAS levels was observed.
• Some beers exceeded the EPA’s new drinking water Maximum Contaminant Limits (MCLs) for PFAS.

Not Just a U.S. Issue

The study included beers from three different countries. While international samples generally had lower PFAS levels, some still showed contamination—suggesting a global problem tied to water quality.

What Craft Brewers Can Do

1. Test Your Water
   Request PFAS testing data from your local water utility—or better yet, conduct independent testing. Many utilities don’t include PFAS in their standard water quality reports. The EPA’s PFAS Analytic Tools and organizations like RTI offer resources for assessment and remediation.
2. Upgrade Filtration Systems
   Typical filtration won’t remove PFAS. Consider these options:

• Activated Carbon Filters: Effective for long-chain PFAS like PFOS and PFOA. These systems are relatively affordable and easy to install but require frequent monitoring and replacement.
• Anion Exchange Systems: Use charged resins to remove a broader range of PFAS compounds. These offer better performance for some PFAS but involve higher costs and maintenance.
• Reverse Osmosis (RO): The most comprehensive solution, removing nearly all PFAS compounds. However, RO is expensive, energy-intensive, and produces wastewater—making it most suitable for larger or high-risk operations.

3. Reconsider Water Sources
   In high-contamination areas, it may be worth sourcing treated or alternative water for brewing.
4. Review Cleaning Practices
   PFAS can also enter your beer through water used in cleaning tanks and equipment. Ensure all clean-in-place (CIP) processes use properly filtered water.
5. Communicate with Consumers
   If your brewery is taking steps to reduce PFAS, share that information. Consumers are increasingly conscious of safety and sustainability.

Industry-Wide Implications

An estimated 18% of U.S. breweries operate in areas with PFAS-detected municipal water. Smaller breweries may struggle to implement advanced treatment systems, increasing disparities across the industry. As regulations tighten and consumer awareness grows, brewers who act early will be better positioned to ensure quality, protect public health, and build trust.

Attribution: Article Retrieved from Craft Brewing Business, written By Keith Gribbins .

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