PFAS (Forever Chemicals) in Drinking Water — Dover T...
Dover Township · Dover, PA · 21,097 people served
Data: EPA SDWIS, ECHO, 2024 Consumer Confidence Report
PFAS (Forever Chemicals) Detected in DOVER TOWNSHIP
PFAS (Forever Chemicals) was detected at 9.8 ppt in the DOVER TOWNSHIP water system serving Dover (PA), exceeding the EPA limit of 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individual MCL).
This system serves approximately 21,097 people across 1 ZIP code.
Data source: 2024 Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) and EPA SDWIS/ECHO.
Detected Levels
| Contaminant | Level Detected | EPA Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) | 9.8 ppt | 14 ppt | Within Limit |
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
- DOVER TOWNSHIP — Full Water System Profile
- PFAS (Forever Chemicals) in Drinking Water — Overview
- EPA: PFAS (Forever Chemicals)
Detected Levels
| Contaminant | Level Detected | EPA Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) | 9.8 ppt | 14 ppt | Within Limit |
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 |