PFAS (Forever Chemicals) in Drinking Water — Town of...
Town of Uxbridge Water Department · North Uxbridge, MA · 11,525 people served
Data: EPA SDWIS, ECHO, 2023 Consumer Confidence Report
PFAS (Forever Chemicals) Detected in Town of Uxbridge Water Department
PFAS (Forever Chemicals) was detected at 15.07 ppt in the Town of Uxbridge Water Department water system serving North Uxbridge, Uxbridge (MA), exceeding the EPA limit of 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individual MCL).
This system serves approximately 11,525 people across 2 ZIP codes.
Data source: 2023 Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) and EPA SDWIS/ECHO.
Detected Levels
| Contaminant | Level Detected | EPA Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| PFAS6 | 15.07 ppt | 20 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
- Town of Uxbridge Water Department — Full Water System Profile
- PFAS (Forever Chemicals) in Drinking Water — Overview
- EPA: PFAS (Forever Chemicals)
Detected Levels
| Contaminant | Level Detected | EPA Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| PFAS6 | 15.07 ppt | 20 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 |