Does Topo Chico Contain PFAS?

What are PFAS and why are they in the spotlight?

PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. These synthetic compounds have been in use since the mid-20th century in products that rely on water-resistant, oil-resistant, or heat-resistant properties. Common examples include non-stick cookware, water-repellent coatings on clothes or carpets, and certain types of firefighting foam. Researchers often refer to PFAS as “forever chemicals” because they resist natural degradation processes.

Health authorities started paying closer attention to PFAS when studies revealed that these compounds bioaccumulate, meaning they can build up in the human body and persist in the environment for decades. According to the Environmental Working Group, PFAS exposure in humans has been linked to a range of potential health problems, including certain cancers, developmental issues, thyroid problems, and immune system interference. While some of these links are still being investigated, the weight of evidence has prompted regulatory efforts:

• The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) introduced the first national drinking-water limits for five specific PFAS compounds in April 2024.

• Several states, such as New York and New Jersey, have established their own maximum contaminant levels, which tend to be stricter than federal guidelines.

• The International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) recommends voluntary limits of no more than 5 parts per trillion (ppt) for an individual PFAS compound and 10 ppt when multiple PFAS are present.

PFAS soared into the spotlight as many heated debates emerged around how to regulate the chemicals effectively. Concerns grew after tests showed PFAS contaminating everything from public drinking-water systems to popular bottled water brands. As more studies examine their long-term health implications, scientific and public pressure has quickened the pace of PFAS oversight.

Has Topo Chico tested positive for PFAS?

Topo Chico is a carbonated mineral water brand with a longstanding reputation for crisp flavor and distinctive packaging. It has been owned by the Coca-Cola Company since 2017. However, Consumer Reports and other advocacy groups published data that raised questions about the PFAS content in certain bottled sparkling waters, including Topo Chico.

In 2020, Consumer Reports tested 47 bottled waters — 35 still and 12 sparkling. Findings indicated that multiple carbonated brands contained PFAS levels higher than 1 ppt, the threshold recommended by some advocacy organizations such as the Environmental Working Group. Topo Chico was among those listed with PFAS levels above this guideline. Initial reports mentioned that Topo Chico’s test results showed around 9.76 ppt, making it one of the highest among the sparkling water brands tested.

These revelations caused concern among frequent Topo Chico drinkers who trust that bottled water is heavily regulated and tested. Public awareness also rose when other researchers verified that carbonated waters often have slightly higher PFAS levels than still waters, posing the question of whether carbonation processes or packaging methods facilitate PFAS contamination.

From a regulatory standpoint, detecting PFAS in bottled water does not automatically violate any federal guidelines unless concentrations exceed the EPA’s enforceable limit for specific PFAS compounds. Yet many individuals use more conservative benchmarks, such as 1 ppt or 5 ppt, to gauge water safety.

What were the PFAS levels found in Topo Chico?

According to the research cited in consumer-focused reports, Topo Chico originally tested at approximately 9.7 to 9.76 ppt in 2020. That placed it above many other brands in the sparkling water category. In reaction to consumer feedback and public scrutiny, others reported that Topo Chico’s PFAS levels dropped to about 3.9 ppt by 2021, signaling a notable shift.

These newer figures suggest that the company took measures to reduce PFAS in its product after the initial Consumer Reports findings. Even so, a measurement of around 3.9 ppt remains above the 1 ppt threshold that some scientists, advocacy groups, and environmental organizations consider ideal. Nonetheless, these levels stay below the International Bottled Water Association’s recommendation for one PFAS compound (5 ppt) and well below the older federal advisory level of 70 ppt combined for PFOA and PFOS set by the EPA before it issued stricter proposed limits in 2024.

Here is a brief snapshot of the changes in Topo Chico’s reported PFAS levels:

In broad terms, this drop indicates that contamination can be lowered, likely through improved sourcing, treatments, or more advanced filtration. It also suggests that the production process is not entirely immune to external factors. Although it is unclear precisely how Topo Chico achieved the reduction, it highlights the possibility of mitigating PFAS in bottled water if manufacturers adopt certain strategies.

How do these levels compare to health guidelines?

Comparisons of PFAS levels in any product to health guidelines can get complicated because there is no single global standard. Instead, consumers encounter a patchwork of recommendations and regulations. The differences stem from evolving science, local legislative frameworks, and the complex nature of PFAS (there are thousands of related chemicals under the PFAS umbrella).

Below are several reference points:

• Environmental Working Group (EWG) advocates a limit of 1 ppt for PFAS in drinking water. Topo Chico’s most recent 3.9 ppt is above that mark.

• The International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) advises no more than 5 ppt for a single PFAS compound and 10 ppt for the presence of multiple PFAS. Topo Chico’s 3.9 ppt is within that voluntary standard.

• In 2024, the EPA issued its first national drinking-water limits for five compounds. These new limits — effectively 4 ppt for PFOA and PFOS — are stricter than past advisories but still in a proposal or early-implementation stage.

• Certain states have established maximum contaminant levels between 10 and 20 ppt, depending on the specific PFAS compound.

Topo Chico’s present level of about 3.9 ppt does not violate the IBWA’s recommended benchmark. However, from a public-health advocacy standpoint, many experts call for even lower concentrations, citing the importance of minimizing cumulative exposure from multiple sources. Evidence suggests that PFAS can accumulate in the body over time, and limiting exposure from all possible avenues, including bottled water, is often recommended for vulnerable populations like pregnant individuals, children, and those with compromised immune systems.

How could PFAS get into bottled water?

PFAS can infiltrate bottled water brands through multiple routes, including:

1. Source water contamination
   If the natural springs or groundwater used in bottling already contain PFAS, the brand needs robust filtration to remove these compounds effectively. In the case of sparkling water, the carbonation process itself is not the primary culprit, but any water source used before carbonating can contain PFAS.

2. Packaging materials
   Some plastic liners, labels, or metal can coatings have historically contained PFAS. While many manufacturers have reduced or eliminated PFAS coatings in food contact materials, older supply chains or non-updated packaging processes may still pose contamination risks.

3. Equipment and filtration systems
   The industrial environment, pipes, or inadequate filtration systems could inadvertently introduce PFAS. Rigorous monitoring and testing, along with maintenance of filtering tools designed to capture PFAS (such as certain activated carbon or reverse osmosis systems), are essential to minimize carryover.

4. External environmental factors
   Persistent chemicals like PFAS can show up in unexpected places due to contaminated soil, runoff, or air deposition near industrial facilities. Brands must remain vigilant because contamination can fluctuate based on regional industrial activities or changes in local water quality.

Public data highlighting Topo Chico’s eventual reduction of PFAS suggests that filtration improvements, alternative sourcing, or better quality-control measures may have played significant roles. Even so, consumers concerned about PFAS should be aware that no brand is completely immune if the underlying water source is compromised or if packaging lacks the proper checks.

What has Topo Chico or Coca-Cola said about PFAS?

After the 2020 Consumer Reports findings, Coca-Cola, which owns Topo Chico, acknowledged the test results and reaffirmed its commitment to high product quality. The company pledged to address PFAS levels by investigating their source and revising production methods. Reports indicate this approach yielded a visible reduction from around 9.7 ppt to about 3.9 ppt by 2021.

While Topo Chico’s public statements usually emphasize quality and heritage, corporate communication has focused on meeting safety standards, fulfilling regulatory requirements, and listening to consumer concerns. Coca-Cola, as a global beverage producer, is subject to multiple international guidelines, meaning it often must exceed local regulatory requirements for distribution in certain markets.

No official statement from Coca-Cola indicates any plans to stop producing Topo Chico or to conduct a large-scale recall. Instead, the company has chosen targeted improvements aimed at lowering PFAS and enhancing product transparency. Still, some consumers question how thoroughly internal testing data is disclosed. Publicly available test results remain limited and are usually based on independent investigations rather than corporate self-reporting. Nonetheless, the reduction in PFAS levels shows that some measurable strides have been made.

Are other bottled waters also contaminated?

Topo Chico is not the only bottled water brand with reported PFAS levels. Sparkling waters, in particular, have been found with small but detectable amounts in multiple studies. According to Consumer Reports and other sources:

• Perrier, La Croix, Canada Dry, Poland Spring, Bubly, and Polar all showed PFAS levels above 1 ppt in various tests.

• Aquafina, Core Hydration, Absopure, Alkaline88, and 365 Everyday Value (Whole Foods) reportedly had PFAS levels between 0 and 1 ppt, placing them within stricter guidelines recommended by some health advocacy groups.

• Sparkling water products generally had a higher likelihood of PFAS contamination, possibly due to additional processing steps or the type of water source used.

Research from the Environmental Working Group concluded that nearly half of all U.S. tap water samples contain some level of PFAS, often exceeding recommended safety levels. This means bottled water is not alone in facing these challenges. Indeed, the issue extends throughout the beverage industry, municipal water supplies, and other consumer goods.

It helps to view PFAS contamination on a spectrum. Some companies invest heavily in filtration and testing, achieving results near or below 1 ppt. Others meet less stringent policies or rely on older equipment, resulting in higher PFAS figures. While none of these measurements automatically guarantee a health crisis, they highlight a structural, widespread concern that governments and industry must work together to overcome.

If you want to explore how PFAS contamination varies by region, you can consult resources such as our pfas contamination map. This interactive source can give a sense of where PFAS have been detected and encourage more informed decisions about water consumption.

Should you stop drinking Topo Chico?

The question of whether to avoid Topo Chico or any brand that has reported PFAS detection depends on several factors, including personal health circumstances, tolerance for risk, and access to alternatives. The science around acceptable PFAS exposure is still developing, with different interpretations among health organizations:

• Current levels
  Topo Chico’s 3.9 ppt is below many existing regulatory or voluntary standards. If your primary concern is adhering strictly to the 1 ppt guideline, you may prefer a brand that consistently tests below that threshold.

• Cumulative exposure
  We often encounter PFAS in non-stick cookware, fast-food wrappers, and various household items. Even small amounts in bottled water can add up. People seeking to lower their total PFAS intake might reduce or rotate their consumption of products that test above 1 ppt.

• Regulatory context
  At the time of this writing, the new EPA limits may prompt manufacturers to reduce PFAS levels further to meet future enforceable standards. Some state-led regulations may already require lower levels than federal guidelines. Over time, these shifts could make it easier to find bottled water with minimal PFAS.

We are not advocating for or against a specific brand. Instead, we encourage readers to weigh the data for themselves and consider whether alternative beverages, or filtration methods, lead to more peace of mind. Using home water filters or other strategies (such as verifying brand test reports) can also mitigate PFAS exposure. For more on health impacts, see pfas health effects.

If you believe PFAS have caused you or a loved one harm, a legal consultation might help determine whether you could pursue compensation. The subject remains a matter of personal choice alongside broader public-health discussions about chemical regulation, corporate responsibility, and consumer awareness.

Can you filter PFAS out of bottled sparkling water?

Effectively filtering PFAS out of sparkling water can be challenging for consumers. Home filtration solutions, such as activated carbon filters or reverse osmosis units, are generally designed for tap water. Once sparkling water is bottled or canned, there is limited opportunity to filter it again without losing carbonation. Here are some relevant considerations:

1. Activated carbon
   Many carbon filters reduce certain PFAS compounds, but their effectiveness can vary by brand or filter design. They also require regular replacement to maintain peak performance.

2. Reverse osmosis (RO)
   RO systems are often cited as one of the most reliable methods to reduce PFAS levels in water. However, hooking up a home RO system specifically for store-bought bottled water is not practical. It is typically installed under a kitchen sink for daily tap usage or in commercial bottling processes.

3. Bottled-water manufacturing
   Companies can adopt advanced filtration methods. The steady drop from 9.7 ppt to 3.9 ppt in Topo Chico hints at a more thorough or specialized approach to water treatment. If a bottling plant invests in technology like activated carbon plus RO, combined with thorough testing, PFAS can be greatly minimized before packaging.

4. Offsetting risk
   Some users may simply rotate their sparkling water choices to reduce repeated exposure from one brand that tests on the higher end of PFAS levels. Others, concerned about any PFAS, might select still water brands that consistently register little to no PFAS.

When it comes to personal filtration, the straightforward solution is to filter tap water rather than bottled sparkling water. This approach can significantly lower your exposure to PFAS, especially if your local water utility reports higher PFAS levels. If you are curious about how different water filters perform, you can learn more about PFAS removal techniques at pfas water filter.

Are there legal or regulatory actions involving Topo Chico?

To date, we are not aware of any large-scale lawsuits specifically targeting Topo Chico for PFAS-related reasons. Most regulatory focus has gravitated toward municipal water systems, industrial polluters, and military bases that have used PFAS-containing firefighting foams. The Biden-Harris Administration’s first legally enforceable drinking-water standard for PFAS, introduced in April of this year, aims primarily at public water systems, though it sets a more cautious precedent.

However, private litigation over PFAS contamination has increased in recent years. Individuals, municipalities, and states have filed lawsuits against manufacturers of PFAS-laden products or against facilities suspected of improper disposal and environmental release. If bottled water companies fail to meet emerging standards, they could face regulatory fines or possibly class-action claims, though specific cases often hinge on verifying harm and linking it to PFAS exposure.

In situations where individuals suspect that PFAS exposure has contributed to cancer, thyroid issues, or other health problems, legal avenues do exist. We encourage readers who think they have been seriously impacted to consult with a specialized attorney. Getting a free review of your situation can clarify whether a PFAS lawsuit is viable. For more information, see our PFAS lawsuit information page.

Food and beverage manufacturers often update processes voluntarily to keep pace with new laws or consumer expectations. As a result, it is possible that Topo Chico or other companies might make further improvements in the filtration of their water sources. Monitoring official company communications and regulatory announcements is essential for staying up to date on potential changes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is driving the concern over “topo chico pfas”?

Topo Chico, like some other sparkling water brands, was found to contain measurable amounts of PFAS. Public-health advocates recommend limiting these chemicals as they can accumulate in the body over time and may cause health issues. While regulations vary, many experts advise caution when levels exceed 1 ppt.

Is Topo Chico above federal safety limits?

At around 3.9 ppt, Topo Chico is below the older federal advisory for combined PFAS of 70 ppt, as well as below the 5 ppt single-compound limit recommended by the International Bottled Water Association. However, it does exceed the Environmental Working Group’s 1 ppt guideline.

Are there safer alternatives to Topo Chico?

Some brands, like certain still waters or sparkling waters, test below 1 ppt. If you prefer to stay under ultra-stringent guidelines, you might switch to a brand that consistently publishes PFAS data under this threshold. Alternatively, installing a suitable home filtration system lets you control the final PFAS levels in your tap water supply.

Do carbon filters remove PFAS?

Most carbon filters can partially remove or reduce PFAS, but effectiveness can vary. For more significant PFAS reduction, reverse osmosis systems are typically recommended. Detailed resources about filters are available at do carbon filters remove pfas.

What should I do if I think PFAS exposure affected my health?

If you suspect PFAS exposure, we suggest consulting a medical professional for evaluation. You can also consider reaching out for a free legal review through specialized attorneys who handle PFAS cases.