PFAS Check: Is Your Water Contaminated?
Check if PFAS (forever chemicals) have been detected in your ZIP code's water supply. Free results from EPA UCMR5 testing data for 12,863 water systems.
- PFAS detection status for your water system
- Individual compound breakdown with EPA MCL comparison
- Filter recommendations if PFAS are detected
What Are PFAS (Forever Chemicals)?
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of over 14,000 synthetic chemicals used since the 1940s in non-stick coatings, waterproof fabrics, firefighting foam, and food packaging. They are called "forever chemicals" because they do not break down naturally in the environment or the human body.
In April 2024, the EPA established the first-ever federal limits on six PFAS chemicals in drinking water:
| Chemical | EPA Code | MCL (Maximum Contaminant Level) |
|---|---|---|
| PFOA | 2378 | 4.0 ppt (0.000004 mg/L) |
| PFOS | 2379 | 4.0 ppt (0.000004 mg/L) |
| PFNA | 2380 | 10 ppt (0.00001 mg/L) |
| PFHxS | 2382 | 10 ppt (0.00001 mg/L) |
| PFBS | 2383 | 2,000 ppt (0.002 mg/L) |
| GenX (HFPO-DA) | 2384 | 10 ppt (0.00001 mg/L) |
Health Effects of PFAS
Research has linked PFAS exposure to:
- Cancer — kidney and testicular cancer (PFOA classified as carcinogenic by IARC)
- Thyroid disease — disruption of thyroid hormone levels
- Immune system effects — reduced vaccine response, especially in children
- Reproductive issues — decreased fertility, pregnancy-induced hypertension
- Liver damage — elevated cholesterol, liver enzyme changes
- Developmental effects — low birth weight, developmental delays
How to Remove PFAS from Drinking Water
Standard water pitchers with basic carbon filters do not effectively remove PFAS. Proven treatment methods include:
- Reverse Osmosis (RO) — removes 90-99% of PFAS. Best under-sink option ($150-$400).
- Activated Carbon Block (NSF 53) — removes many PFAS compounds. Look for NSF P473 certification ($80-$250).
- Ion Exchange — highly effective for short-chain PFAS. Whole-house systems ($1,000-$3,000).
What Are PFAS?
PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, a family of over 14,000 synthetic chemicals manufactured since the 1940s. Their carbon-fluorine bonds are among the strongest in organic chemistry, which makes them exceptionally durable in industrial applications — nonstick cookware, waterproof clothing, food packaging, and aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) used at military bases and airports.
That same durability is the problem. PFAS do not break down in soil, water, or the human body, earning them the name "forever chemicals." They accumulate over time: the CDC has detected PFAS in the blood of 98% of Americans tested. Epidemiological studies link chronic PFAS exposure to kidney and testicular cancer (IARC classifies PFOA as carcinogenic), thyroid hormone disruption, weakened immune response in children, and elevated cholesterol. Contamination is concentrated near military installations, industrial discharge sites, and wastewater treatment plants, but municipal water systems nationwide have reported detections through the EPA's UCMR5 monitoring program.
EPA PFAS Regulation Timeline
3M announces voluntary phaseout of PFOS production after internal studies reveal environmental persistence and bioaccumulation.
EPA launches PFOA Stewardship Program. Eight major manufacturers commit to eliminate PFOA and related chemicals by 2015.
EPA issues lifetime health advisory of 70 ppt for combined PFOA and PFOS. Non-enforceable guidance only.
EPA dramatically lowers advisories: near-zero for PFOA (0.004 ppt) and PFOS (0.02 ppt). Signals upcoming regulation.
First-ever enforceable limits: 4 ppt for PFOA, 4 ppt for PFOS, 10 ppt for PFNA, PFHxS, and GenX. Water systems must monitor and report.
All public water systems must complete treatment installation. Systems exceeding MCLs must notify customers.
PFAS vs Other Contaminants
PFAS behave differently from most drinking water contaminants, which is why they require specialized detection and treatment. Lead enters water through corroding pipes and can be removed with standard NSF 53 carbon filters. Bacteria like E. coli are killed by chlorine disinfection at the treatment plant. Nitrates from agricultural runoff are regulated at 10 mg/L and can be reduced by reverse osmosis.
PFAS are different in three critical ways. First, they are measured in parts per trillion (ppt), not parts per billion or parts per million — the EPA limit for PFOA is 4 ppt, roughly 3,750 times stricter than the lead action level. Second, standard granular activated carbon (the type in most pitcher filters) does not reliably capture short-chain PFAS compounds. Only reverse osmosis, carbon block filters with NSF P473 certification, or ion exchange systems are proven effective. Third, PFAS do not degrade. Lead corrosion can be slowed by adjusting water pH; bacteria can be killed by disinfection. PFAS persist indefinitely in both the water supply and the human body, with half-lives of 2–8 years in blood serum (CDC, 2023). This persistence is why the EPA classifies them as a distinct regulatory category requiring dedicated monitoring under UCMR5.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are PFAS and why are they called forever chemicals?
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of over 14,000 synthetic chemicals used since the 1940s in non-stick coatings, waterproof fabrics, firefighting foam, and food packaging. They are called "forever chemicals" because the carbon-fluorine bond is one of the strongest in chemistry, meaning PFAS do not break down in the environment or the human body for decades or longer.
What is a safe level of PFAS in drinking water?
In April 2024, the EPA finalized the first federal limits for PFAS in drinking water. The maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) are 4 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOA and PFOS individually, and 10 ppt for PFNA, PFHxS, and GenX. Water systems have until 2029 to comply. Some states like New Jersey and Michigan have set even stricter limits.
How do I remove PFAS from my tap water?
The most effective home treatment is a reverse osmosis (RO) system, which removes 90-99% of PFAS compounds and costs $150-$400 for an under-sink unit. Activated carbon block filters with NSF P473 certification also work well for long-chain PFAS like PFOA and PFOS. Standard pitcher filters with basic granular carbon do not reliably remove PFAS.
Are PFAS regulated by the EPA?
Yes. The EPA finalized National Primary Drinking Water Regulations for six PFAS chemicals in April 2024, making them legally enforceable standards. Public water systems must monitor for these chemicals and reduce levels below the MCLs by 2029. The EPA has also designated PFOA and PFOS as CERCLA hazardous substances, enabling Superfund cleanup at contaminated sites.
Should I get my water tested for PFAS?
If your water system has reported PFAS violations or if you live near military bases, airports, or industrial sites that used firefighting foam (AFFF), testing is strongly recommended. Certified PFAS water tests cost $200-$400 through EPA-accredited labs. You can also check your water system's Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) or the EPA ECHO database for existing PFAS monitoring data.
Data Sources & Methodology
Data Sources
- EPA SDWIS — PFAS violation records for public water systems
- EPA UCMR5 — Fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule — PFAS testing results
- EPA PFAS MCLs (April 2024) — First federal enforceable limits for 6 PFAS compounds
Methodology
We scan EPA SDWIS violation records and UCMR5 monitoring data for all water systems serving your ZIP code, matching contaminant codes to the 13 tracked PFAS compounds. Results compare detected levels against EPA Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) finalized in April 2024.