PFAS Exceeds EPA Limits
At least one PFAS compound in water systems serving ZIP 22039 exceeds the EPA Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL). The EPA requires utilities to notify customers and take corrective action. Immediate steps:
- Install an NSF/ANSI 58 (reverse osmosis) or NSF P473 certified filter
- 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 Fairfax Station, VA
Water systems serving ZIP code 22039 have 40 PFAS detections across 8 compounds. At least one compound exceeds the EPA Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL).
| Compound | Max Detected | MCL | Exceeds? |
|---|---|---|---|
| PFPeA | 0.0215 µg/L | null µg/L | No |
| PFBA | 0.0176 µg/L | null µg/L | No |
| PFHxA | 0.0171 µg/L | null µg/L | No |
| 6:2 FTS | 0.0101 µg/L | null µg/L | No |
| PFBS | 0.0081 µg/L | null µg/L | No |
| PFOA | 0.0074 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Yes |
| PFOS | 0.0057 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Yes |
| PFHpA | 0.0056 µg/L | null µg/L | No |
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 they don't break down in the environment, PFAS accumulate 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
- Install a certified filter immediately — NSF/ANSI 53 (granular activated carbon) or NSF/ANSI 58 (reverse osmosis) filters certified for PFAS removal
- Contact your water utility — systems with MCL exceedances are required to notify customers and take corrective action
- Get a blood test — PFAS blood testing is available through your doctor to establish a baseline
About This Data
PFAS data comes from EPA's Enforcement and Compliance History Online (ECHO) system and the Fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR5). Testing is ongoing — new data is added as utilities complete required monitoring. ZipCheckup updates PFAS data monthly.
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 serving your ZIP code. 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 an NSF/ANSI 58 (reverse osmosis) or NSF P473 certified water filter. These remove 90-99% of PFAS compounds. Contact your water utility to ask about their PFAS compliance plan and timeline.
What are safe PFAS levels in drinking water?
The EPA set the first federal limits in 2024: 4 ppt for PFOA and PFOS, and 10 ppt for PFHxS, PFNA, and GenX. Any detection above these levels requires utility action by 2029.
Can boiling water remove PFAS?
No. Boiling water does not remove PFAS and can actually concentrate them. Only certified filtration systems (reverse osmosis, activated carbon block, or ion exchange) effectively reduce PFAS levels.
How often is PFAS data updated?
ZipCheckup updates PFAS data monthly from EPA sources. The UCMR5 monitoring program runs through 2025, so new results are added as utilities complete required testing.