TFA in drinking water
Understanding, Avoiding, and Removing Trifluoroacetic Acid*
What is trifluoroacetic acid (TFA)
And why it absolutely must be removed* from drinking water
Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) is a synthetic, highly fluorinated organic acid and belongs to the group of so-called PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). It is formed during the degradation of refrigerants, pesticides, and certain pharmaceuticals, among other substances, and is extremely persistent. TFA is virtually non-degradable in the environment, causing it to accumulate uncontrollably in soils, groundwater, and ultimately drinking water.
Current measurements show that TFA has been detected in over 99% of all drinking water samples in Switzerland, sometimes at alarming concentrations of up to 20 µg/l. This substance is harmful to health, can be absorbed by plants, and is particularly difficult to control due to its high mobility. Despite these facts, there is currently no legal limit for TFA in drinking water in Switzerland.
EVODROP has been proven to filter 100% of all PFAS out of water*
While conventional water filters often reach their limits when it comes to PFAS, EVODROP sets new standards in water treatment. Our high-precision filter technology has been independently tested by a renowned and accredited Swiss laboratory, with a clear result: EVODROP has been proven to completely remove all PFAS from water*.
So, if you want to actively take action for your own health and the protection of your family, EVODROP is the proven most effective solution for filtering trifluoroacetic acid from water. Our systems are the first choice for anyone who values the highest water quality, sustainable technologies, and scientifically proven safety.
Why is TFA in water a problem?
The invisible danger lurks in tap water: Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) is far more than an abstract chemical problem. It has a very real impact on our health, our environment, and our future water supply.
- Health risk to humans and the environment : TFA is a corrosive and irritating substance that can damage the respiratory tract, eyes, and skin even at very low concentrations. Of particular concern: TFA is highly toxic to aquatic organisms such as algae, fish, and amphibians, even at microgram levels. The long-term effects of chronic exposure to drinking water in humans have not been conclusively clarified either; this is an unnecessary risk that can be avoided.
- Extremely persistent in the environment, TFA doesn't disappear : TFA is extremely persistent. Once it enters the environment, it persists for decades or even centuries. It is water-soluble, mobile in the soil, and can spread over large areas; TFA has even been detected in remote areas like the Arctic. This means that every TFA contamination that occurs today will impact our environment for generations to come.
- Increasing pollution from new chemicals : The development of what are essentially more environmentally friendly refrigerants (HFOs) and pesticides is paradoxically leading to a steadily increasing TFA concentration in groundwater and drinking water. The degradation of these modern substances creates new TFA, invisible, undetected, and unregulated.
Innovative and groundbreaking technology:
Evodrop wins the German Innovation Award 2025
EVODROP: The Solution to PFAS*
Scientifically verified by a Swiss laboratory*
While government agencies and the media continue to insist that there is no practical solution for removing PFAS, or that only complex, costly reverse osmosis systems are viable, EVODROP demonstrates that there is another way—one that is efficient, sustainable, and independently tested.
This is what makes EVODROP unique:
- ✅ Patented microfiltration technology with highest effectiveness
- ✅ Complete removal of PFAS and other contaminants*
- ✅ Tested & confirmed by the renowned Swiss laboratory Veritas
- ✅ No chemicals, no salt, no high energy consumption
- ✅ Cost-effective use, in the kitchen, at the house connection or in the catering industry
The patented EVODROP technology has been proven to remove 100% of all PFAS residues* from water, as confirmed by the accredited Swiss testing laboratory Veritas. This makes EVODROP the first provider in Switzerland to offer scientifically verified PFAS filtration performance*.
EVODROP is the first practical, affordable, and highly effective solution available for filtering PFAS out of drinking water*, developed in Switzerland, tested for Switzerland, and designed for people who want pure water.
Technological innovations from EVODROP, the number 1 on the market:
Evodrop wins the Innovation Award at Aquatech Amsterdam 2025!
How EVODROP technology works
The patented EVODROP microfiltration system sets new standards in water treatment. Its particularly effective filtration is based on an innovative combination of:
- Activated filter surface,
- organic acid (malic acid) and
- a very fine particle binding structure.
This sophisticated formulation not only physically retains PFAS*, but also permanently binds them chemically. As a result, PFAS are completely removed from the water* and do not re-enter the natural water cycle. The result: clean, safe drinking water with no residues.
Efficient. Sustainable. Flexible. EVODROP technology is:
✅ Low maintenance – no constant cartridge changes necessary
✅ Scalable – can be used from the kitchen to large-scale systems
✅ Quickly installed – usually ready for use within a few hours
Whether as a drinking water filter for the household, as a protection solution for the catering and hotel industry or as a complete domestic water treatment system:
EVODROP offers modular systems for every need, with maximum filter performance and minimal energy and maintenance requirements.
Difference to osmosis systems: Why EVODROP is the better choice!
Many households and businesses rely on reverse osmosis systems to remove contaminants from their water. But when it comes to PFAS*, these systems quickly reach their limits and come with numerous drawbacks: high energy consumption, loss of essential minerals, and expensive membrane replacements.
EVODROP offers a clever, sustainable and cost-effective alternative: scientifically tested, low-maintenance and high-performance.
With EVODROP, the water remains natural, rich in minerals, and free of contaminants—without any of the drawbacks of conventional systems. Ideal for anyone who values modern water treatment without compromise.
Official proof available
The Veritas laboratory report confirms that PFAS and other per- and polyfluorinated chemicals (PFAS)* are completely filtered out using Evodrop technology. We would be happy to send you the results upon request.
Further links from the media on the topic of PFAS in Swiss water:
SRF:
“PFAS chemical – all tested groundwater samples contaminated with trifluoroacetic acid”
- TFA was detected in all 550 NAQUA measuring points.
- current concentrations are between 1 and 5 µg/l, particularly high under arable land
SRF:
"Detected in groundwater – Water Association concerned about perpetual chemical TFA"
- New research shows that TFA has been discovered as a persistent pollutant in Swiss groundwater.
- TFA is a PFAS compound that comes from refrigerants and pesticides.
- The SVGW warns of possible risks
- EU will soon examine limit values.
FOEN:
TFA widespread in groundwater
- TFA occurrences are 100–1,000 times higher than other PFAS.
- The main sources are pesticides, refrigerants and industrial wastewater.
Aargauer Zeitung:
“Trifluoroacetic acid: Groundwater contaminated with PFAS throughout Switzerland”
- TFA has been detected throughout Switzerland, especially in agricultural areas.
- Health risks are not yet fully researched, but are classified as concerning
watson.ch:
“TFA – Waterworks raise alarm about endangered drinking water” (May 22, 2025)
- TFA concentrations have doubled in lakes and the Rhine within 8 years.
- Waterworks are alarmed; affordable filtration methods are lacking.
FOEN:
Dossier “Tapping into the Memory of Water”
- TFA is extremely durable, hardly reacts chemically and remains in the cycle.
- Human risks are currently considered low at measured concentrations, but caution is advised.
Evodrop.com in the individual test at getestet.de
How does Evodrop perform in the areas of website, performance and service? The renowned seal of approval "getestet.de" took a close look at Evodrop's concept, website and customer service.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on PFAS & TFA: Trifluoroacetic acid
Is TFA in drinking water harmful to health?
Yes. Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) can irritate the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract even at very low concentrations. Long-term exposure, for example, through daily drinking of contaminated water, can lead to chronic exposure to TFA. Although no binding limits exist in Switzerland yet, scientists and environmental authorities are increasingly warning of the risks.
Is TFA removed by normal water filters?
No. Most commercially available activated carbon filters, can filters, or water softeners are unable to bind or filter out TFA. Many reverse osmosis systems also have only limited effectiveness, often resulting in very high operating costs.
EVODROP is currently the only known filtration solution on the Swiss market that offers proven, complete PFAS removal*, as confirmed by the accredited Swiss laboratory Veritas.
How does PFAS filtration work with EVODROP*?
EVODROP microfiltration technology combines an activated filter surface with organic acid (malic acid) and a highly fine structure for particle binding. As a result, PFAS are not only mechanically retained but also permanently bound chemically*. There is no backflow into the water cycle, a real advantage over other technologies.
Is the filter system also suitable for rental apartments?
Yes, absolutely. For households and rental apartments, EVODROP offers compact under-counter solutions that can be easily installed on the kitchen water supply without any structural intervention. Alternatively, there are also devices for individual taps, such as the faucet in the bathroom or the kitchenette in the office.
What other contaminants does EVODROP filter besides PFAS*?
In addition to PFAS,* EVODROP also removes a wide range of other contaminants from drinking water, including:
- Heavy metals (e.g. lead, copper, mercury)
- Pesticides and herbicides
- Drug residues
- Microplastics
- Nitrate and chlorine
- Glyphosate
- Bacteria
- Viruses
Important minerals such as magnesium and calcium remain completely contained in the water.
How complex is the maintenance of the system?
EVODROP was specifically designed to be low-maintenance. Most models require a simple filter unit replacement only once or twice a year, which can be done in just a few minutes. There are no hidden operating costs like those associated with reverse osmosis systems (e.g., membrane replacement or high power consumption).
How quickly can EVODROP be installed?
Depending on the model, installation is carried out by trained partners or by simple self-assembly. The system is typically ready for use within 1–2 hours. EVODROP also offers modular designs for kitchen, catering, or domestic connection solutions that can be flexibly adapted to individual needs.
Is there official evidence of effectiveness?
Yes. EVODROP’s filtration performance, particularly with regard to PFAS*, has been tested under real-world conditions and confirmed in writing by the accredited Swiss laboratory Veritas. These laboratory reports not only serve as proof of reliability, but also demonstrate that EVODROP delivers real results* where other systems reach their limits.
* A new, unused filter and the initial operating phase were tested at an accredited Swiss laboratory. The results showed that none of the tested PFAS compounds could be detected after filtration. The test report is available upon request.
