Family Owned & Operated Since 1980
When it comes to PFAS and PFOA contamination in your home's water supply, having a knowledgeable partner who understands both the science and the local landscape makes all the difference.
Schedule a Water Test Request ServiceTrusted PFAS Experts Since 1980
Yes - PFAS have been detected in Vermont drinking water sources, including both private wells and some municipal supplies. Vermont's Agency of Natural Resources and Department of Environmental Conservation have investigated multiple sites across the state where PFAS contamination has entered groundwater. Sources include former industrial operations, firefighting training areas, and landfills where PFAS-containing products were disposed.
Vermont responded by establishing some of the strictest PFAS drinking water standards in the country. The state set a combined maximum contaminant level of 20 parts per trillion (ppt) for five regulated PFAS compounds - tighter than the EPA's previous guidance and comparable to the EPA's 2024 federal MCL updates. Public water systems must test and treat to these standards. Private well owners are responsible for their own testing.
As a family-owned business now in our second generation of ownership, we bring more than four decades of water treatment expertise to every PFAS remediation project we undertake. Our team includes licensed plumbers and certified water quality professionals who stay current with the latest filtration technologies and EPA guidelines. We are proud members of the Water Quality Association and the Vermont Rural Water Association, and our owner Jen Fleckenstein holds a Class III Water Operator license and serves as a Certified Water Specialist (CWS).
If you are on a private well in Vermont, PFAS testing requires a certified laboratory - it is not included in our free in-home screening, which covers hardness, iron, manganese, pH, TDS, and chlorine. We can coordinate certified lab PFAS testing and, if contamination is confirmed, recommend and install the right treatment system for your home.
Know the Risks
Understanding where PFAS contamination originates helps homeowners assess their risk and take appropriate action. Living in Central Vermont, many of our customers draw water from private wells that may be affected by contamination sources they're not even aware of.
That's why we recommend comprehensive water testing as the first step toward understanding your family's exposure risk.
If you're concerned about PFAS in your home's water supply, the team at Clear Water Filtration is ready to help. We provide thorough water quality assessments that include testing for PFAS compounds along with other common Vermont water concerns.
Certified PFAS Treatment Solutions
At Clear Water Filtration, we've invested significantly in understanding the most effective technologies for PFAS removal. As an authorized, independent Kinetico dealer for over 30 years, we have access to some of the most advanced whole-home water treatment systems available.
Granular activated carbon (GAC) remains one of the most proven technologies for PFAS removal from residential water supplies. These systems work by adsorbing PFAS molecules onto the surface of specially treated carbon media as water passes through the filter bed.
The effectiveness of GAC systems depends on several factors:
Our team carefully evaluates your home's specific conditions to recommend appropriately sized GAC systems that will deliver consistent PFAS removal over time. We also establish maintenance schedules to ensure filter media is replaced before breakthrough occurs.
For families seeking the highest level of PFAS protection, reverse osmosis (RO) systems provide exceptional removal rates often exceeding 99% for most PFAS compounds. These systems force water through semi-permeable membranes with pore sizes so small that PFAS molecules cannot pass through.
We install both point-of-use RO systems for drinking and cooking water and whole-house configurations where comprehensive treatment is desired. Our Kinetico K5 drinking water station represents the pinnacle of residential RO technology, delivering pure, clean water without the need for electricity while minimizing water waste through innovative design.
Ion exchange technology offers another effective approach to PFAS removal, particularly for short-chain PFAS compounds that may be more challenging for other treatment methods. Specialized anion exchange resins attract and capture PFAS molecules, removing them from your water supply.
At Clear Water Filtration, we often recommend multi-barrier approaches that combine ion exchange with activated carbon for comprehensive PFAS treatment. This layered strategy addresses the full spectrum of PFAS compounds that may be present in Vermont groundwater.
Our Process
When you contact our team about PFAS concerns, we follow a systematic approach developed through years of experience serving Vermont homeowners.
A member of our local team takes the time to understand your concerns and gather preliminary information about your water source, home, and any previous testing you may have conducted. We schedule a convenient time for an on-site visit at no charge.
During our site visit, we collect water samples for laboratory analysis. Our PFAS testing includes the full panel of regulated compounds plus additional PFAS variants that may be present in Vermont groundwater. We also evaluate other water quality parameters that could affect treatment system selection.
Our licensed technicians assess your plumbing infrastructure, available space for treatment equipment, and any site-specific factors that will influence system design. We examine water pressure, flow rates, and existing treatment equipment.
Based on your water test results and site evaluation, we prepare detailed recommendations explaining the treatment technologies best suited to your situation. Our proposals include equipment specifications, installation requirements, expected performance, and transparent pricing.
Our team arrives prepared with everything needed to complete the job, treating your home with the same care and respect we'd show our own. As licensed plumbers, we ensure all installations meet Vermont plumbing codes and manufacturer specifications.
PFAS treatment systems require periodic maintenance to maintain optimal performance. We establish service schedules appropriate for your equipment and water conditions. Our emergency service is available seven days a week from 7 AM to 9 PM.
As your neighbors here in Central Vermont, the Clear Water Filtration team understands the unique water quality challenges facing our communities. We've helped hundreds of families address PFAS contamination.
Protecting Public Health
Vermont's approach to PFAS regulation reflects our state's long-standing commitment to environmental protection and public health. Our regulatory standards for PFAS in drinking water are among the most protective in the nation, requiring action when combined PFAS levels exceed 20 parts per trillion.
This proactive stance emerged from growing scientific evidence linking PFAS exposure to various health concerns, including:
For Vermont homeowners with private wells, these standards serve as important benchmarks even though they're not directly enforceable for private water supplies. At Clear Water Filtration, we believe every family deserves water that meets or exceeds these protective thresholds.
The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation offers resources for homeowners concerned about PFAS contamination. Additionally, the Healthy Homes program provides assistance for qualifying residents seeking to address water quality concerns including PFAS contamination. Our team can help you navigate these resources and determine whether you may be eligible for available support programs.
We Can HelpLocal PFAS Concerns
PFAS risk varies by location across Vermont depending on proximity to historical contamination sources. Here is what we know about the three most-asked-about Chittenden and Washington County communities we serve.
Burlington residents on Champlain Water District municipal water receive water that is tested for PFAS under Vermont's MCL requirements. The CWD has invested in monitoring and, where treatment has been warranted, has implemented it. However, Burlington homeowners with private wells - particularly in the hill areas east of downtown - are not covered by municipal testing and should arrange independent lab testing.
Even for CWD customers, a point-of-use reverse osmosis system provides an additional layer of protection at the drinking water tap, removing any PFAS that may be present at levels below the detection threshold of routine testing. For full PFAS treatment resources in Burlington, see our PFAS water treatment Burlington VT page.
South Burlington sits adjacent to Burlington International Airport, and AFFF (aqueous film-forming foam) historically used at airports has been identified as a significant PFAS source in groundwater nationally. Vermont's environmental regulators have investigated PFAS impacts in the Airport area. Well owners in South Burlington should treat PFAS testing as a priority rather than an afterthought - location alone is a risk factor.
South Burlington homeowners on municipal water receive treated, tested water meeting Vermont's MCL standards. For private well owners or anyone wanting additional protection, our team offers PFAS-certified lab testing coordination and whole-house or point-of-use treatment installation. Visit the South Burlington water treatment page or call 802-496-5544.
Montpelier draws its municipal water from the North Branch and Winooski River watershed and treats it through the city water system. PFAS in municipal Montpelier water is subject to Vermont DEC monitoring requirements. For private well owners in the Montpelier area - particularly in Washington County's rural residential zones - the picture is less clear and depends on proximity to potential contamination sources.
Washington County well water often tests for naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic and uranium alongside any PFAS investigation. Our team regularly serves Montpelier and surrounding Washington County communities. See our Montpelier water treatment page or our water testing service to start the process.
Government-Grade Expertise
Clear Water Filtration holds active government and municipal contracts for PFAS water treatment in Vermont. This is not marketing language - it is a matter of public record that our team designs, installs, and maintains PFAS treatment systems for government entities held to rigorous performance documentation standards that residential work does not require.
That experience translates directly to the residential work we do. When we size a GAC system, specify an anion exchange resin, or design a multi-barrier treatment approach for a homeowner's well, we draw on the same engineering judgment we apply to large-scale government projects. The contaminants are the same; the methodology is the same; only the scale differs.
Our Class III Water Operator certification - held by Jen Fleckenstein, CWS - represents the highest operator classification in Vermont's water system licensing structure. Class III operators are authorized to operate complex community water systems, a credential that only a handful of companies in Vermont's residential water treatment sector can claim. For homeowners dealing with PFAS contamination, that credential means you are working with someone who has passed rigorous state examination requirements and understands treatment system performance at a regulatory level.
Government contracts require us to demonstrate consistent PFAS removal to measurable standards. We bring that same discipline to residential installations - specifying systems that perform reliably, establishing maintenance schedules that prevent breakthrough, and following up with post-installation testing to verify that your water is actually protected. This is not the standard practice in residential water treatment. It is the standard we hold ourselves to because of our government contract experience.
Discuss Your PFAS ConcernsTrusted Equipment Partners
After more than four decades in the water treatment industry, we've learned which manufacturers deliver reliable performance and stand behind their products. Our PFAS treatment solutions feature equipment from trusted brands.
Service Plans, Financing & Assistance
We understand that discovering PFAS contamination in your water can be stressful, particularly when treatment costs seem daunting. We offer multiple options to make water treatment accessible.
At Clear Water Filtration, we maintain an internal community assistance fund to help qualifying families access the water treatment they need. This program is evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and we encourage anyone facing financial challenges to discuss their situation with our team.
Vermont's Healthy Homes program may provide assistance for PFAS treatment in homes with qualifying characteristics. Our team is familiar with program requirements and can help you understand your options.
PFAS treatment systems require regular maintenance to ensure continued effectiveness. Clear Water Filtration offers comprehensive service plans:
Your Trusted Partner
Choosing a water treatment partner for something as important as PFAS remediation requires confidence in their expertise, integrity, and commitment to your family's wellbeing.
As a family-owned Vermont business since 1980, we're invested in our communities in ways that national companies simply cannot match. Our reputation depends on the satisfaction of our neighbors.
Our team includes licensed plumbers and water quality professionals certified through the Water Quality Association. Our owner's position on the Governor's Technical Advisory Committee reflects the respect our expertise commands.
Clear Water Filtration holds multiple government contracts for PFAS and PFOA treatment, demonstrating our capability to meet rigorous performance standards and documentation requirements.
We maintain in-house manufacturing capabilities for service and repair components. This means faster response times and the ability to fabricate custom solutions when standard equipment doesn't quite fit your needs.
Water emergencies don't wait for business hours. Our team provides emergency service seven days a week from 7 AM to 9 PM, ensuring you can reach a knowledgeable professional when problems arise.
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Where We Serve
From our home base in Waitsfield, VT, we provide water treatment services throughout the Green Mountain State. Each community has its own water quality characteristics based on local geology and water sources - and after 45 years, we've tested thousands of wells across Vermont and understand the regional variations that affect which treatment approaches work best.
We're Here to Help
Let's Get Started Together
Discovering PFAS in your water supply can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to face this challenge alone. The team at Clear Water Filtration has helped hundreds of Vermont families address PFAS contamination, and we're ready to put that experience to work for you.
As a family-owned business serving Waitsfield and communities throughout Vermont since 1980, we bring more than technical expertise to every project. We bring the commitment of neighbors helping neighbors, the accountability of a local business that depends on community trust, and the deep understanding of Vermont water quality issues that only comes from decades of hands-on experience.
Whether you've received concerning test results, noticed changes in your water quality, or simply want peace of mind about what your family is drinking, we're here to help. Our consultations are complimentary, and our recommendations are always honest.
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Every residential system we install, from the free in-home water test through whole-home treatment and drinking water systems. See everything on the residential water treatment hub.
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