A new study by RTI International has uncovered a troubling truth for craft brewers: municipal drinking water is the leading source of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination in beer. The research, 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 developed for water — for testing PFAS in beer. The results have major implications for water treatment, brewing practices, and public health. From the press release:
“RTI’s ‘Hold My Beer’ study highlights the need for broad, coordinated action to reduce PFAS in water supplies,” said Jennifer Hoponick Redmon, lead study researcher and senior director of environmental health and water quality at RTI. “Our adapted testing method offers a practical way to detect and address PFAS in beverages including beer, which we hope can reduce exposure to these chemicals and make future happy hours relatively safer and healthier.”
What are PFAS?
PFAS are synthetic compounds used in non-stick coatings, firefighting foam, and industrial processes. Known as “forever chemicals,” they don’t easily break down in the environment and accumulate in human bodies over time. PFAS exposure is linked to cancer, reproductive harm, and immune system disruption.
Why this matters for craft brewers
Water makes up more than 90% of beer. Brewers use local tap water for everything from mashing to cleaning tanks. RTI’s study found that beers brewed near known PFAS contamination sites — especially in North Carolina — had significantly higher PFAS concentrations.
Key findings
- PFAS were detected in nearly all beer samples tested.
- Beers brewed in areas with PFAS-contaminated drinking water had 15 times the odds of containing PFAS.
- The most common compounds found were PFOS, PFHxS, and PFOA — linked to firefighting foam and industrial runoff.
- Even six-packs showed can-to-can variability in PFAS levels.
- Some beers exceeded EPA’s drinking water Maximum Contaminant Limits (MCLs).
Risk not limited to the U.S.
The study also tested beers from three countries. While international beers generally had lower PFAS levels, some still showed detectable contamination. This suggests global pervasiveness of PFAS in water supplies.
Actionable steps for craft brewers
1. Test your brewing water
Breweries should request PFAS data from their local utilities or conduct independent testing. Utilities might not include PFAS in standard water quality reports. Also, here are the EPA’s PFAS Analytic Tools. Also, also, the organization that produced this study, RTI, has in-house capabilities spanning PFAS assessment, testing, remediation and identification of alternatives.
2. Upgrade filtration systems
Standard filtration won’t remove PFAS. Breweries should consider:
- Activated carbon filters remove PFAS through adsorption, binding contaminants to the surface of porous carbon granules. They’re most effective for long-chain PFAS like PFOA and PFOS but less so for short-chain compounds. These filters are relatively affordable and simple to install, making them a good first step for breweries. However, they require regular monitoring and replacement, as organic matter and other pollutants can clog the filter and reduce effectiveness over time.
- Anion exchange systems use positively charged resin beads to attract and capture negatively charged PFAS molecules. This method can target a broader range of compounds, including both long- and some short-chain PFAS. It typically offers better removal rates than carbon for certain PFAS species. However, the systems can be more expensive to install and maintain, and saturated resins must be replaced or regenerated properly, since they concentrate PFAS during the filtration process.
- Reverse osmosis uses a semi-permeable membrane to separate water from contaminants, including nearly all PFAS compounds. It’s the most thorough treatment option available, capable of removing both long- and short-chain PFAS. However, RO systems are costly to operate, energy-intensive, and produce significant wastewater. These systems may be overkill for small breweries but could benefit operations in high-risk areas. RO is best suited for breweries that can afford the infrastructure and ongoing maintenance.
3. Reassess water sources
In high-risk areas, consider alternative water sources or pre-treated bulk water for brewing.
4. Use clean-in-place (CIP) best practices
PFAS could also enter the beer through contaminated water used in cleaning and sanitation. Ensure all CIP processes use filtered water.
5. Be transparent with consumers
If your brewery takes steps to reduce PFAS, share that story. Consumers increasingly care about safety and sustainability.
Implications for the industry
Roughly 18% of U.S. breweries operate in zip codes with detectable PFAS in the municipal water supply. Small breweries may face more challenges due to limited infrastructure for water treatment. RTI’s data underscores a regulatory and technical gap that could widen quality disparities across the industry. As PFAS regulation tightens and public awareness grows, proactive breweries will be better positioned to protect both their consumers and their brand.
