PFAS on city water: the local numbers, the federal status, and certified options

The short version

PFAS are a large group of chemicals that have been widely used in industrial and consumer products.^[source] Two of them, PFOA and PFOS, now have enforceable federal drinking water limits. Under EPA's fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 5), utilities sampled their water for a list of PFAS (Greenville Water's report, for example, describes 29 of them)^[source] and publish the results in their annual reports. If your utility reported them as not detected, there's nothing for a filter to fix on that front. If it reported them above the limit, a certified point-of-use filter is a practical, proportionate step.

Where federal rules stand

EPA's enforceable limits for PFOA and PFOS are 4.0 parts per trillion. In May 2026 EPA proposed rescinding the limits for PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA (GenX) and the mixture Hazard Index, and extending PFOA/PFOS compliance to 2031. As of September 2026 those proposals are not final.^[source]

Two things follow. First, a monitoring result above 4.0 ppt today isn't a violation: compliance with the PFOA/PFOS limits isn't due yet, and EPA's proposal would push that date to 2031.^[source] Second, utilities that report levels above 4.0 ppt today have time, and in many cases plans, to bring them down. A filter is a way to lower your own exposure in the meantime if you choose.

What local utilities reported

PFOA or PFOS reported above 4.0 ppt in 2025 data

Reports print these in µg/L or ppb; we converted to ppt so they compare directly to the 4.0 ppt limit (0.0056 ppb is 5.6 ppt). Columbia's Lake Plant reported lower averages than its Canal Plant.^[source] The City of Concord and the Cities of Kannapolis and Albemarle printed PFAS results whose units we're confirming with each utility; we don't publish those numbers until that confirmation arrives.

Not detected

Charlotte Water listed PFOA and PFOS on its 2025 non-detects list.^[source] Mooresville reported that all UCMR 5 contaminants were not detected^[source], and Hickory reported PFOA and PFOS not detected in all three 2025 samples.^[source] Mount Holly^[source], Lancaster County Water & Sewer District^[source] and Spartanburg Water^[source] also reported results not detected or below the reporting limit. Check your own town's page in service areas, or the full Charlotte-area water report.

Likely causes

Because PFAS have been used so widely in industrial and consumer products,^[source] they can reach a lake, river or aquifer from many upstream activities. A utility's source water assessment and its own statements are the right place to learn about specific sources. We don't speculate about causes for any particular system.

How testing works

For city water, your utility's report is the starting point, since its tests use EPA methods at very low detection limits. A home PFAS test is only worth it through a certified lab using an EPA method, and it's mainly useful on a private well or to confirm a filter is working. If you're on a well, see well water testing.

Treatment options

EPA found that granular activated carbon, ion exchange and reverse osmosis point-of-use systems can greatly reduce PFAS levels, provided the filters are maintained on the manufacturer's schedule.^[source] EPA advises looking for certification to NSF/ANSI 53 or NSF/ANSI 58 for PFAS reduction, and checking that the product covers the type of PFAS you want to reduce.^[source] On NSF's listings, look for the specific PFOA Reduction and PFOS Reduction claims on the model you're considering.^[source]

• Under-sink reverse osmosis (NSF/ANSI 58): treats the kitchen tap and handles many other goals at once. See drinking water reverse osmosis.
• Under-sink or faucet carbon (NSF/ANSI 53): smaller and sends no water to the drain; capacity is limited, so replacement timing matters.
• Whole-home systems: only worth considering if a specific system is certified for PFOA/PFOS at your flow rate. For most homes, treating the drinking and cooking tap is the proportionate choice.

When to get a pro involved

If your utility is one of those above and you'd like to lower PFOA/PFOS at your kitchen tap, we'll help you compare certified RO and carbon options and keep a filter-change schedule with a Care Plan. Under-sink systems connect to your plumbing; here's how installation works. If your utility reports them not detected, we'll tell you that a PFAS filter isn't the reason to buy anything.