Exceeds EPA Limit PFAS EXCEEDS EPA LIMIT

PFAS in Austin, TX Drinking Water

PFAS data for Austin, Texas · 1,246,707 residents · 80 ZIP codes

Across the water systems that serve Austin, Texas, PFAS has appeared in EPA compliance samples — standard municipal treatment targets this contaminant, though detections in the compliance record indicate it has reached household taps at measurable levels.

0.0243 ppt
Max Level Detected
30.88 ppt
Average Level
4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually)
EPA MCL
High
Health Risk
Reverse Osmosis or Granular Activated Carbon
Best Filter Method

Data: EPA SDWIS, CCR Reports, ECHO Last verified: 2026-05-14

PFAS in Austin Tap Water

PFAS has been detected in Austin, Texas drinking water at a maximum level of 0.0243 ppt — below the EPA MCL of 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually).

This analysis covers 1,246,707 residents across 80 ZIP codes in Austin.

Austin's overall water quality grade is A (92/100).

Is PFAS in Austin Water Safe?

PFAS levels in parts of Austin exceed the EPA MCL of 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually). The EPA requires water systems to take corrective action when this limit is exceeded.

If you live in an affected ZIP code, consider installing a reverse osmosis or granular activated carbon filter certified under NSF 53 / NSF 58 and testing your water independently.

PFAS Levels by ZIP Code

ZIP Code PFAS Level EPA Limit Status
78724 66 detections 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) Exceeds limit
78725 66 detections 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) Exceeds limit
78746 66 detections 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) Exceeds limit
78723 64 detections 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) Exceeds limit
78731 64 detections 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) Exceeds limit
78750 64 detections 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) Exceeds limit
78753 64 detections 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) Exceeds limit
78758 64 detections 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) Exceeds limit
78708 42 detections 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) Exceeds limit
78709 42 detections 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) Exceeds limit
78714 42 detections 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) Exceeds limit
78755 42 detections 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) Exceeds limit
78767 42 detections 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) Exceeds limit
78768 42 detections 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) Exceeds limit
78717 39 detections 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) Exceeds limit
78728 30 detections 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) Exceeds limit
78719 27 detections 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) Exceeds limit
78747 27 detections 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) Exceeds limit
78735 24 detections 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) Exceeds limit
78736 24 detections 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) Exceeds limit
78737 24 detections 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) Exceeds limit
78732 23 detections 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) Exceeds limit
78701 22 detections 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) Exceeds limit
78702 22 detections 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) Exceeds limit
78703 22 detections 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) Exceeds limit
...25 more ZIP codes

Average pfas level across Austin: 30.88 ppt

Health Effects of PFAS

  • Increased risk of kidney and testicular cancer
  • Thyroid disease and immune system suppression
  • Reproductive problems and reduced fertility
  • Elevated cholesterol and liver effects
  • Developmental effects in infants and children

Health risk severity: High. Governed by the PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (2024).

How PFAS Gets Into Drinking Water

  • Firefighting foam (AFFF) used at military bases and airports
  • Industrial manufacturing (non-stick coatings, stain-resistant fabrics)
  • Wastewater treatment plants that receive industrial discharge
  • Landfill leachate from PFAS-containing consumer products

What to Do About PFAS in Austin Water

  1. Install a reverse osmosis system (most effective — removes 90%+ of PFAS)
  2. Granular activated carbon (GAC) filters remove some PFAS compounds
  3. Look for NSF 53 or NSF 58 certification specifically tested for PFAS
  4. Pitcher filters with activated carbon provide partial reduction

Look for filters certified under NSF 53 / NSF 58 for pfas removal.

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