PFAS test results
Highest average at any one sampling point, from EPA's UCMR 5 testing (2024–2024), against the levels EPA set in 2024. ND = not detected above EPA's reporting level. EPA's comparison rounds like this: an average of 4.05 ppt or more counts as above the 4 ppt PFOA/PFOS limit, and 15 ppt or more counts as above the 10 ppt level for PFHxS, PFNA and GenX.
Hazard index (PFHxS, PFNA, GenX, PFBS mix): 0.32 (limit 1, EPA comparison threshold 1.5).
All 9 detected compounds at this system (single highest result)
| Compound | Highest result | Results above reporting level |
|---|---|---|
| PFOS | 20.7 ppt | 2 of 2 |
| PFPeA | 14.6 ppt | 2 of 2 |
| PFHxA | 10.6 ppt | 2 of 2 |
| PFBA | 10.1 ppt | 2 of 2 |
| PFOA | 7.2 ppt | 2 of 2 |
| PFBS | 6 ppt | 2 of 2 |
| 6:2 FTS | 5.5 ppt | 1 of 2 |
| PFHpA | 4.9 ppt | 2 of 2 |
| PFHxS | 3.4 ppt | 2 of 2 |
Read this as a screening result, not a compliance finding. UCMR 5 samples are occurrence data. Legal compliance is judged on a running annual average from the utility's own monitoring, reported to the state. PFOA and PFOS at 4 ppt are in force; EPA has proposed to rescind the PFHxS, PFNA, GenX and hazard-index levels.
Violations and lead
1 health-based violation began since 2021-10-26 (1 limit exceedance, 0 treatment-technique; 0 still open). Most recent began 2022-04-01.
| Contaminant group | Violations |
|---|---|
| Disinfection byproducts | 1 |
Health-based means a limit exceedance or a missed treatment requirement. Many violations are fixed within weeks; a count says nothing about severity. Missed-sample (monitoring) violations are not counted.
Lead 90th percentile: 2.0 ppb for the period ending 2025-12-01 (action level 15 ppb). This is a system-wide statistic, not your home's tap; lead usually comes from household plumbing and service lines.
What helps, and what does not
For PFAS, a point-of-use reverse-osmosis unit or a carbon filter certified to NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 for PFAS reduction is the realistic home step, with a lab test first. Be aware that today's certified claim is reduction to under 20 ppt combined PFAS, above the 4 ppt federal limit, so certification does not prove a filter reaches the federal level. Water softeners and iron filters do not remove PFAS. Read the whole-house PFAS answer.
Common questions
Is the tap water in Bcwws 1a safe to drink?
At least one sampling point at Bcwws 1a averaged above the 4 ppt federal limit: PFOA up to 6.8 ppt and PFOS up to 20 ppt. 1 health-based violation recorded since 2021-10-26 (0 not yet closed). Lead 90th percentile 2.0 ppb in the sampling period ending 2025-12-01 (action level 15 ppb). This is a summary of public EPA data, not a guarantee about the water at your tap.
Does Bcwws 1a have PFAS in its water?
Yes. EPA's 2023–2025 testing detected 9 of 29 PFAS compounds at Bcwws 1a.
Not medical or legal advice. Results describe the utility's system, not your tap. Compare with your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report.
Sources and freshness
Public-water-system facts, violations and lead/copper results: EPA ECHO SDWA download (SDWIS snapshot 2026-10-13). PFAS and lithium results: EPA UCMR 5 final data (sampling 2023–2025). Both are U.S. government works, downloaded 2026-10-26. Numbers are computed by the published method; the same fields are in the open data files.