PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. Simply put, it’s a common term for a group of human-made chemicals found in everyday products, from food packaging, carpet and cookware to clothing, ski wax, cosmetics and firefighting foam. They are used to make products resistant to stains, water and grease.
PFAS chemicals have been part of the consumer cycle since the 1940s. Because they don’t break down easily, these compounds find their way into wastewater and industrial byproducts and, eventually, the environment. That means they can be found in drinking water sources.
Until 2024, all PFAS were considered unregulated contaminants by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). On April 10, 2024, the EPA announced the National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR) for six PFAS. Beginning in 2029, there will be legally enforceable levels, called Maximum Contaminant Levels or MCLs, for these six compounds in drinking water, ranging from 4 parts per trillion (ppt) to 10 ppt.
Previously, there were no MCLs in place for PFAS compounds, but there were health advisory limits for PFOA and PFOS.
We voluntarily tested for 29 PFAS compounds, including the six compounds in the new regulation, at our water treatment facilities in 2023. Our data meets the new regulatory MCLs.
Between Oct 2024 and July 2025, we participated in expanded testing for 29 unregulated PFAS compounds under the EPA’s fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 5). All drinking water providers in the country were required to test treated drinking water for these compounds. [tooltip text="There are 30 unregulated contaminants included in UCMR 5; 29 are PFAS and the other is lithium."]
None of the 29 compounds were detected above the UCMR 5 reporting limits in our drinking water during the four quarters we tested. Our results are posted, as required, in a national database.
UCMR 5 findings will help the EPA better understand how often these substances are found in the nation’s drinking water systems, and at what levels.
Because PFAS have been used in consumer products for decades, they are expected to be detected in many waters, especially as detection technology improves and sampling and testing expands to include more compounds. A more detailed picture is beginning to emerge, which will help inform future solutions.
We take water quality very seriously and continually meet or exceed regulations and permit requirements. The hundreds of tests we conduct each month ensure we deliver safe, quality drinking water to your tap. We want you to feel confident about the quality of your water and that we are meeting all requirements for PFAS testing. We encourage you to read our annual water quality reports to learn more about what we monitor in your drinking water.