Fleck PFAS Forever Chemicals Filter

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Initial Household Water Observations

Noticing changes at your tap or fixtures may prompt consideration of PFAS

Residents in Montgomery County receiving water from AQUA PA MAIN SYSTEM, which supplies surface water to over 800,000 people, may observe concerns related to 'forever chemicals' or PFAS in water. While these compounds are not taste or odor-causing at typical levels, awareness of their presence in the regional system is increasingly common.

Federal MCL Status for Fluorinated Compounds in Local Water

• PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic acid): Detected above 0.004 µg/L in 35 of 50 samples, with highest measured at 0.0126 µg/L. The 2024 federal maximum contaminant level (MCL) is 4.0 ng/L (4 parts per trillion), with 34 detections above this level.
• PFOS (Perfluorooctane sulfonate): Detected above 0.004 µg/L in 16 of 50 samples, highest measurement 0.0092 µg/L. The 2024 federal MCL is 4.0 ng/L; all 16 detections exceed this.
• PFHxS (Perfluorohexane sulfonic acid): Present in 11 of 50 samples with measurements up to 0.0077 µg/L, but all below the 2024 MCL of 10 ng/L.
• PFNA (Perfluorononanoic acid): Detected in 7 of 50 samples; one measured above the 10 ng/L MCL.
• HFPO-DA, PFBS, PFHxA, PFPeA, PFBA, PFHpA: Various detections reported, none currently regulated by a federal MCL, though they contribute to total PFAS presence.

Regional Sources Linked to PFAS Presence

Consideration of firefighting foam, textile finishing, and landfill influences

• The AQUA PA MAIN SYSTEM source is surface water, making it susceptible to PFAS inputs from urban runoff.
• Firefighting foam use at nearby facilities can contribute to PFOA and PFOS presence.
• Industrial textile processes have historically been sources of PFAS in areas similar to Montgomery County.
• Landfill leachate may introduce lower levels of various fluorinated compounds.

Impact of Household Size and Property Use

• Larger households with higher water demand may require equipment with greater flow capacity for PFAS removal.
• Seasonal properties or second homes might consider equipment designed for intermittent use without degradation of function.
• The selection should reflect water volume needs and configuration flexibility suited to household water patterns.

PFAS Entry into Regional Water Supplies and Distribution

• PFAS compounds enter surface water sources through atmospheric deposition, runoff, and industrial discharge.
• Once in source water, these fluorinated chemicals persist due to their chemical stability.
• Subsequent treatment and distribution reduce but do not fully eliminate detected levels in system samples.

Meaning of ‘Detected,’ ‘Median,’ and ‘Range’ in EPA Sampling Data

• Detected: Laboratory measurement above a defined reporting threshold; does not indicate a violation or unsafe condition.
• Median: The middle value among detected samples, which helps show a typical concentration at or above detection limits.
• Range: The span between the lowest and highest detected measurements, showing variability within sampling events.

Additional Considerations for Commercial or Industrial Operators

• Operators should evaluate water use intensity and regulatory requirements beyond household concerns.
• Continuous monitoring and professional assessment might be necessary to meet industrial standards.
• Complex water treatment systems can be planned based on precise PFAS profiles and volumes handled.

For Montgomery County households considering treatment options, understanding federal monitoring data clarifies which PFAS compounds are present and their regulatory status. The Fleck PFAS Forever Chemicals Filter ships ready to configure and can address commonly detected per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in local water supplies.

Choosing the right equipment depends on household size, source water characteristics, and the specific PFAS compounds detected regionally. Testing individual water is essential to confirm local conditions before purchasing treatment equipment.

Where this information comes from

Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2024-12-11. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.

On record: EPA UCMR5 monitoring (2023-2025) for AQUA PA MAIN SYSTEM (PA1460073), PA: 500 results across 10 listed contaminants, 225 detections above the reporting level; 51 results above a 2024 federal MCL