PFAS Above an EPA MCL Value (MCL Compliance Required From 2029)
At least one PFAS compound in water systems serving ZIP 01985 was measured above the level of a federal PFAS MCL that takes effect in 2029. Compliance with these MCLs is based on running annual averages starting in 2029. Immediate steps:
- Install a filter certified to NSF/ANSI 58 (reverse osmosis) or NSF/ANSI 53 for PFOA/PFOS reduction
- Contact your water utility for their compliance timeline
- Consider PFAS blood testing through your doctor
Health Effects of PFAS Exposure
What You Should Do
Test Your Water for PFAS
EPA data shows system-wide results. A home water test measures what comes out of your faucet.
Get a PFAS Water Test Kit →PFAS Status for West Newbury, MA
Water systems serving ZIP code 01985 have 3 PFAS detections across 2 compounds. At least one compound exceeds the EPA Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL).
| Compound | Max Detected | MCL | Exceeds? |
|---|---|---|---|
| PFOS | 0.0046 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Yes |
| PFBS | 0.0034 µg/L | No federal MCL | N/A |
What Are PFAS?
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are synthetic chemicals used since the 1940s in nonstick cookware, waterproof clothing, food packaging, and firefighting foam. Known as "forever chemicals" because many persist in the environment; some can accumulate in people, and PFAS have been found in drinking water, soil, and human blood.
In 2024, the EPA established the first-ever national drinking water standards for six PFAS compounds:
| Compound | EPA MCL (µg/L) |
|---|---|
| PFOA | 0.004 |
| PFOS | 0.004 |
| PFHxS | 0.010 |
| PFNA | 0.010 |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) | 0.010 |
| Mixture of 2+ | Hazard Index of 1 |
Health Effects
PFAS exposure is linked to:
- Certain cancers (kidney, testicular)
- Thyroid disease
- Immune system effects
- Reproductive and developmental issues
- Elevated cholesterol
Recommended Actions
- Consider a certified filter — NSF/ANSI 58 (reverse osmosis) or NSF/ANSI 53 filters certified for PFOA/PFOS reduction
- Contact your water utility — systems with MCL exceedances are required to notify customers and take corrective action
- Ask about blood testing — ask your doctor whether PFAS blood testing is useful for you and discuss its limitations
About This Data
PFAS data comes from EPA's Enforcement and Compliance History Online (ECHO) system and the Fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR5). UCMR5 sample collection has ended; later monitoring may add new PFAS information. PFAS data are dated by source; check the source dates shown in this report.
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is this PFAS check?
This report is based on EPA UCMR5 monitoring data and ECHO enforcement records for water systems associated with your ZIP code; confirm which system supplies your home. It reflects system-level testing, not individual tap results. For your specific home, consider a certified lab test.
What should I do if PFAS is detected in my water?
Install a filter certified to NSF/ANSI 58 (reverse osmosis) or NSF/ANSI 53 for PFOA/PFOS reduction, and check which PFAS the certification lists. Contact your water utility to ask about their PFAS compliance plan and timeline.
What are the EPA drinking-water standards for PFAS?
The EPA set the first federal PFAS MCLs in 2024: 4 ppt for PFOA and PFOS, and 10 ppt for PFHxS, PFNA, and GenX. From 2029, water systems whose running annual average exceeds these levels must take action to reduce PFAS.
Can boiling water remove PFAS?
No. Boiling water does not remove PFAS and can actually concentrate them. A filter certified under NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 for PFAS reduction can reduce the specified PFAS when used as directed.
How often is PFAS data updated?
PFAS results on this page come from EPA sources and are added as EPA publishes them. The UCMR5 monitoring program ran through 2025.