PFAS (Forever Chemicals) VA EPA VIOLATION

PFAS (Forever Chemicals) in Drinking Water — City of...

City of Norfolk Department of Utilities · Norfolk, VA · 234,220 people served

0.0058 ppt

Highest Level Detected

4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individual MCL)

EPA Limit

High

Health Risk Level

ZIP Codes Served

234,220

People Served

Reverse Osmosis or Granular Activated Carbon

Best Filter Method

Data: EPA SDWIS, ECHO, 2024 Consumer Confidence Report

Medical Disclaimer: This page provides environmental data and general health information from EPA and CDC sources. It is not medical advice. If you have health concerns related to your drinking water, consult a healthcare provider.

PFAS (Forever Chemicals) Detected in City of Norfolk Department of Utilities

PFAS (Forever Chemicals) was detected at 0.0058 ppt in the City of Norfolk Department of Utilities water system serving Norfolk (VA), below the EPA limit of 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individual MCL).

This system serves approximately 234,220 people across 24 ZIP codes.

Data source: 2024 Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) and EPA SDWIS/ECHO.

Detected Levels

Contaminant	Level Detected	EPA Limit	Status
Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS)	0.0058 ppb	0.004 ppb	Violation

Health Effects of PFAS (Forever Chemicals)

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are synthetic chemicals that persist in the environment and the human body for years — hence "forever chemicals." Research links PFAS exposure to increased risk of kidney and testicular cancer, thyroid disease, immune system suppression (reduced vaccine response), reproductive problems including decreased fertility, elevated cholesterol levels, and liver damage. PFAS can cross the placenta and have been detected in breast milk.

Source: ATSDR — PFAS and Your Health; EPA.

EPA Standard

The EPA maximum contaminant level (MCL) for pfas is 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individual MCL), governed by the PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (2024). Water systems that exceed this limit must notify consumers and take corrective action.

What You Can Do

Install a reverse osmosis system — the most effective household treatment for PFAS removal
Use a granular activated carbon (GAC) filter certified to NSF 53 for PFAS reduction
Check if your water system has issued any PFAS advisories or treatment plans
Consider whole-house filtration if PFAS levels are significantly above the MCL
Do not boil water to remove PFAS — boiling concentrates them
Request PFAS testing from your water utility or use an EPA-certified lab

Recommended Water Filters

The most effective treatment for pfas removal is Reverse Osmosis or Granular Activated Carbon.

Filter Type	Effectiveness	NSF Standard	Notes
Reverse Osmosis (RO)	90-99%	NSF 58	Most effective for PFAS; removes both long- and short-chain compounds
Granular Activated Carbon	70-95%	NSF 53	Effective for long-chain PFAS (PFOA/PFOS); less effective for short-chain
Anion Exchange Resin	90-95%	NSF 53	Effective but requires regular media replacement

ZIP Codes Served by This System

Check water quality for your specific ZIP code:

Related Resources

Detected Levels

Contaminant	Level Detected	EPA Limit	Status
Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS)	0.0058 ppb	0.004 ppb	Violation

Recommended Water Filters

The most effective treatment for pfas removal is Reverse Osmosis or Granular Activated Carbon.

Filter Type	Effectiveness	NSF Standard	Notes
Reverse Osmosis (RO)	90-99%	NSF 58	Most effective for PFAS; removes both long- and short-chain compounds
Granular Activated Carbon	70-95%	NSF 53	Effective for long-chain PFAS (PFOA/PFOS); less effective for short-chain
Anion Exchange Resin	90-95%	NSF 53	Effective but requires regular media replacement

ZIP Codes Served by This System

23501 23502 23503 23504 23505 23506 23507 23508 23509 23510 23511 23512 23513 23514 23515 23517 23518 23519 23520 23521 +4 more

Full Water System Profile: See all contaminants, violations, and lead levels for City of Norfolk Department of Utilities.

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