Protecting Your Home: What Camas Residents Need to Know About PFAS and Reverse Osmosis

Over the last year, a topic has been making headlines that every local homeowner in our beautiful hometown of Camas, WA should pay attention to: PFAS in our well water supply.

At Maxwell Plumbing, we view plumbing as an art and a family legacy. Part of that "art" is ensuring the water running through your pipes is as safe and clean as possible.

Today, we’re breaking down what’s happening with Camas’s wells and why a Reverse Osmosis (RO) system is one of the best options for protecting your family.

The Situation: PFAS and Well 13

Recent updates fand an email out to homeowners from the City of Camas have highlighted concerns regarding "forever chemicals," or PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), particularly in Well 13.

While the City is proactively working on a multi-million dollar filtration facility, it isn't expected to be fully operational until Spring 2027. In the meantime, as temperatures rise and water demand increases, Well 13 is often activated to ensure the community has enough water.

What are PFAS?

These man-made chemicals are used in everything from non-stick cookware to firefighting foams. They are called "forever chemicals" because they don't break down easily in the environment—or in the human body.

Why Standard Filters Fall Short

Many customers ask us if a standard refrigerator filter or a pitcher-style filter is enough. Unfortunately, the answer is usually no.

• Pore Size: PFAS molecules are incredibly small. Standard carbon filters often have "pores" that are thousands of times larger than an RO membrane.
• Reliability: While some specialized carbon filters can reduce PFAS, they lose effectiveness quickly as they saturate.

One Solution: Reverse Osmosis Systems

If you want the highest level of protection for your drinking water, Reverse Osmosis is the answer.

How it works:

RO systems use a semi-permeable membrane with microscopic openings (roughly 0.0001 microns). By applying pressure, the system forces water through this membrane, physically stripping away up to 99% of contaminants, including PFAS, microplastics, lead, and arsenic.

The Benefits for Camas Homeowners:

• Peace of Mind: You don't have to wait until 2027 for the city's new filtration plant. You can have pure water right now.
• Better Taste: RO removes the minerals and chemicals that can give tap water a "tang," leaving you with bottled-water quality at your kitchen sink.
• Cost-Effective: Stop buying plastic water bottles (another possible solution, but costly and wasteful). An RO system pays for itself over time and is much better for the environment. Not to mention, point of use is convenient.  We recommend filling glass jars with RO water to serve as a great treat for your family

Plumbing has been in our family for four generations, and we’ve seen how water quality affects both your health and your home's plumbing longevity. We specialize in installing high-quality Reverse Osmosis systems tailored to the specific needs of Southwest Washington homes.

Ready to upgrade your water? Book a FREE ESTIMATE with us today and we'll evaluate your home and help you find the best filtration option to keep your water clean, clear, and safe.

Maxwell Plumbing

Serving SW Washington & the PDX Metro Area

360-209-4048