Pentair PFAS Forever Chemicals Filter

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Interpreting Median and Range Values for PFAS in Hampstead Area Water

The public water system that serves Hampstead in Rockingham County relies on surface water sources and provides water to over 7,000 people. According to EPA's Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule data collected from February to August 2024, the system recorded 24 measurements for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Specifically for PFOA, half of the detected values were around 0.0052 micrograms per liter, with the highest reaching 0.0072 micrograms per liter. PFOS was detected once at 0.0075 micrograms per liter. Other PFAS compounds like PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA, and PFBA showed no detections above reporting levels.

As a homeowner, it is important to understand that a detection means the substance was measured at or above the instrument's threshold but does not indicate a violation or safety issue by itself. These values reflect what has been measured for the entire system's water and not specific household tap water. Testing of private water would be required to determine individual household levels.

Distinguishing PFAS from Other Water Quality Concerns

PFAS substances differ from common water problems such as hardness or bacterial contamination, which are typically tested and managed differently. PFAS are a group of synthetic chemicals found in various industrial and consumer products; their presence in water is monitored due to their persistence in the environment. Unlike taste, odor, or sediment concerns, PFAS monitoring focuses on minute chemical concentrations and potential long-term exposure effects recognized by federal agencies.

Comparing Hampstead’s PFAS Data With Surrounding Counties Without Overreading

While neighboring counties might report different PFAS levels based on their water source and industrial activity, direct comparison should be made cautiously. Variations in sampling times, detection limits, and water treatment practices can influence reported numbers. Hampstead's record shows some detections above reporting levels but below or near federal health advisory guidelines. Comparing data should account for these differences without assuming that one area’s figures directly predict another’s water quality or risk.

Difference Between Public Water System Data and Private Well Testing

Data from Hampstead’s public water system represents aggregated sampling results designed to assess overall system quality and regulatory compliance. This contrasts with private well testing, which measures water quality at a single location tied to one household and can vary widely due to local geology and well construction. Homeowners on private wells should conduct individual water tests specifically for PFAS to understand their unique water chemistry, as public system results cannot substitute for personal water quality information.

Seasonal and Multi-Year Variations in PFAS Levels Documented

The EPA data for Hampstead covers a sampling period from early 2024 through mid-2024, demonstrating that PFAS concentrations may fluctuate over months. Such variations can be influenced by factors like changes in source water, treatment adjustments, or environmental events. Multi-year monitoring helps identify trends but does not guarantee static conditions at any given home. Recognizing temporal variability is important for interpreting test results and deciding on treatment options.

For households seeking to address PFAS presence reflective of their measured demand, the Pentair PFAS Forever Chemicals Filter ships ready to configure and offers a documented solution. It is designed to reduce PFAS concentrations in residential water supplies, providing a practical mitigation path aligned with local data trends.

Where this information comes from

Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2024-08-14. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.

On record: EPA UCMR5 monitoring (2023-2025) for HAMPSTEAD AREA WATER (NH1031010), NH: 240 results across 10 listed contaminants, 33 detections above the reporting level; 12 results above a 2024 federal MCL