1 in 4 people in nationwide survey feel "uneasy about water safety" | Interest in water heightens with mandatory PFAS testing

Starting April 2026, nationwide testing will become mandatory for PFOS and PFOA, which are particularly problematic among the chemical substances "PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances)" contained in tap water.

PFAS are substances with water- and oil-repellent properties that have been used in everyday products. They are difficult to break down and are pointed out as potentially remaining in the environment and human bodies, leading to increased attention on their effects in recent years. Detection has been reported in various locations within Japan, and interest in water safety is steadily growing.

Forest Home Service Co., Ltd., which develops the high-performance water purifier "WACOMS," conducted water quality tests and awareness surveys targeting households nationwide. The results showed that approximately 25% of respondents answered that they have "felt uneasy about water safety." This revealed a heightened awareness regarding the water used in daily life.

This press release introduces the background of the mandatory PFAS testing, along with the results of the nationwide water quality survey and consumer awareness survey.

Towards Mandatory PFAS Testing – Focus on Tap Water Safety Intensifies

In response to reports of PFAS detection in various parts of Japan, PFAS will be added as a water quality standard item for tap water starting April 1, 2026. The standard value is set at 50 ng/L or less for the combined total of PFOS and PFOA, and water suppliers will be obligated to conduct inspections and comply with the standards.

As "water quality that was previously difficult to ascertain" will now be managed under a system, interest in tap water safety is expected to further increase among consumers. Furthermore, as mandatory testing makes the water quality situation more visible, there may be increased attention on regional differences and variations depending on the water source.

Regional Differences Revealed in Nationwide Household Water Quality Survey

WACOMS conducted water quality tests on households nationwide. The results showed that nitrate nitrogen was detected in approximately 70% of households, and regional differences were also confirmed.

Nitrate nitrogen is a substance that can be detected when fertilizers from agriculture and domestic wastewater seep into groundwater, and it has been a pointed-out issue regarding groundwater quality for some time. This survey also suggested that water quality trends may differ depending on water sources and regions that are susceptible to such influences. Furthermore, the reality of these regional differences may become even more visible in the future due to the mandatory PFAS testing.

Consumer Awareness Survey on Tap Water
1 in 4 Feel "Uneasy About Water Safety"

A survey on awareness regarding tap water was conducted among consumers nationwide, with approximately 25% responding that they have "felt uneasy about water safety."

Reasons for this anxiety included:

・ old water pipes

・ taste and odor

・ chemical substances (such as PFAS)

were mentioned.

In response to these results, there has been an observed increase in households using water purifiers and water servers, indicating a growing consciousness in water selection.

Furthermore, when choosing water for home consumption, "water quality safety," "price," and "taste" were ranked as the top priorities.

These results suggest a trend towards prioritizing "being able to use water with greater peace of mind."

On the other hand, many respondents answered "I don't know" or "I've heard the name" regarding substances like PFAS and nitrate nitrogen, indicating that understanding of water quality has not yet fully permeated. With the social context of mandatory PFAS testing, interest in tap water safety and quality is expected to further increase in the future.

"Water Quality" Selectable Even at Home
– Evolution of High-Performance Water Purification Technology

In response to this rising demand, home water purification technology is also evolving. WACOMS is a high-performance water purifier that removes impurities from water at the nano-level through its unique 4-layer structure, including a Reverse Osmosis (RO) filter.

It achieves a removal performance of over 99.7% (*1) for PFAS and over 99% (*2) for nitrate nitrogen, which has been difficult to handle with conventional purification methods. Furthermore, its automatic filter cleaning function maintains stable water quality over long periods, which is also a key feature.

As concerns about water safety rise, it is gaining attention as a new option for "choosing water for the home."

(*1) Tested under high-concentration conditions equivalent to 30 times the normal concentration. Tested on November 11, 2025, by MIZUKEN Co., Ltd., a water quality inspection agency registered by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Minister of the Environment (No. 159).

(*2) Tested on April 23, 2020, by Hyogo Analysis Center Co., Ltd., a water quality inspection agency registered under Article 20 by the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare (No. 212).

Company Profile

Company Name: Forest Home Service Co., Ltd.
Representative: Takashi Matsumori, President and Representative Director
Location: 242 Kamitobahashibacho, Minami-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto 601-8135

◆Contact Information

Forest Home Service Co., Ltd.
Contact Person: Nakahashi
TEL: 075-231-6381
WEB: https://wacoms.jp/
Reception Hours: Tue-Sat 10:00-18:00

◆Survey Overview

【Water Quality Survey Overview】

・Survey Period: April 2025 – February 2026

・Survey Conducted by: Forest Home Service Co., Ltd.

・Survey Target: Tap water from general households

・Number of Samples: 396

・Survey Method: Measurement using a simple nitrate nitrogen test kit

【Consumer Awareness Survey Overview】

・Survey Period: March 2026

・Survey Organization: Ibridge Inc.

・Survey Target: Men and women aged 20-79 nationwide

・Valid Responses: 1,000

・Survey Method: Internet survey