The EPA finalized enforceable limits for six PFAS compounds in 2024. The maximum contaminant level for PFOA and PFOS is 4 parts per trillion -- roughly four drops in an Olympic swimming pool. Most bottled water brands have never published PFAS testing results.
We checked our COA data across all 11 verified bottled water brands. Here's what the lab reports show.
Brands with PFAS testing -- all ND
Six of our verified brands have been tested for PFAS using EPA Method 537.1 or equivalent, screening for 13-29 PFAS compounds. All tested compounds came back not detected (ND):
- Hallstein (Austria) -- tested by SimpleLab, all PFAS ND
- Acqua Filette (Italy) -- tested by Sapienza University of Rome, all PFAS ND
- Aqua Carpatica (Romania) -- tested by NSF International, all PFAS ND
- Evian (France) -- annual water quality report, 13 PFAS compounds ND
- Icelandic Glacial (Iceland) -- tested by NSF International, all PFAS ND
- Panama Blue (Panama) -- tested by SimpleLab, all PFAS ND
Brands without PFAS data
Five verified brands have COA data for heavy metals, minerals, and other panels but no published PFAS testing:
- Acqua Panna (Italy)
- Hawaii Volcanic (USA)
- Mountain Valley (USA)
- Saratoga (USA)
- Three Bays (Australia)
- Vellamo (Finland)
Not testing for PFAS does not mean the water contains PFAS. It means the brand has not invested in testing for it. Given that PFAS testing costs $200-400 per sample, the absence is notable for brands positioning themselves as premium.
Why it matters
PFAS exposure is linked to cancer (kidney, testicular), thyroid disease, immune suppression (reduced vaccine response), and reproductive harm. These compounds don't break down -- they accumulate in your blood over time. The EPA set the 4 ppt limit because even trace exposure carries risk.
What to look for
When evaluating bottled water for PFAS:
- Check if the brand publishes PFAS testing at all
- Look for EPA Method 537.1 or 533 -- these are the standard PFAS test methods
- Confirm the number of compounds tested (13+ is good, 29 is thorough)
- Verify "ND" status for each compound, not just a summary claim
On Alternative Health, every product page that includes PFAS data shows each compound individually with its detection limit and result.
The bottom line
If PFAS avoidance is a priority, the six brands listed above have independently verified ND results. Hallstein, Aqua Carpatica, and Evian have the broadest PFAS panels (13+ compounds tested). For the brands without PFAS data, absence of testing is not the same as absence of contamination.
View the full bottled water rankings | Learn more about PFAS