TFA in drinking water
Understand, avoid and remove trifluoroacetic acid - with tested filter technology from Evodrop.
What is trifluoroacetic acid (TFA)
And why it 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 is proven to filter 100% of all TFAs and PFAS from 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 demonstrably filters all TFAs and 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 against TFA
Scientifically confirmed by Swiss laboratory
While authorities and the media continue to emphasize that there is no practical solution for removing trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), or that only complex, costly osmosis systems are possible, EVODROP demonstrates that there is another way. It's efficient, sustainable, and independently tested.
This is what makes EVODROP unique:
- ✅ Patented microfiltration technology with highest effectiveness
- ✅ Complete removal of TFA, PFAS and other pollutants
- ✅ 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 demonstrably removes 100% of all TFA and PFAS residues from water, as confirmed by the accredited Swiss testing laboratory Veritas. This makes EVODROP the first provider in Switzerland to offer scientifically proven TFA filtration performance.
With EVODROP, a practical, affordable and highly effective solution is available for the first time to filter TFA from drinking water. Developed in Switzerland, tested for Switzerland, made 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 composition not only physically retains trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), but also permanently binds it chemically. This completely removes TFA from the water and prevents it from reentering the natural water cycle. The result: clean, safe drinking water without 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. However, when it comes to TFA and PFAS, these systems quickly reach their limits – and come with numerous disadvantages: high energy consumption, loss of important minerals, and expensive membrane replacements.
EVODROP offers a clever, sustainable and cost-effective alternative: scientifically tested, low-maintenance and high-performance.
| feature | EVODROP microfiltration | Reverse osmosis systems |
|---|---|---|
| Filters TFA and PFAS | ✅ Laboratory tested | ✅ Partly, very expensive |
| Energy consumption | ⚡ Very low | ⚡ High |
| Operating costs | 💸 Cheap | 💸 High (membrane change) |
| Preservation of minerals | ✅ Yes | ❌ Removes almost everything |
| Installation | 🛠 Quick & easy | 🛠 Complex |
With EVODROP, the water remains natural, rich in minerals, and free of pollutants – without the disadvantages of conventional systems. Ideal for anyone who values modern water treatment without compromise.
Official TFA certificate available
The Veritas laboratory report demonstrates the complete filtration of TFA and other per- and polyfluorinated chemicals (PFAS) with Evodrop technology. We will be happy to send you the results upon request.
Further links on the topic of TFA in Swiss water from the media:
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) about TFA: Trifluoroacetic acid
Is TFA in drinking water harmful to health?
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 filter solution on the Swiss market that offers proven, complete TFA removal – confirmed by the accredited Swiss laboratory Veritas.
How does TFA filtration work at EVODROP?
Is the filter system also suitable for rental apartments?
Which pollutants does EVODROP filter in addition to TFA?
In addition to TFA and other PFAS, EVODROP also removes a variety 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.