Memphis, Shelby County’s public water system is sourced from groundwater, providing water to over 659,500 people through more than 255,000 connections. The Memphis Light, Gas, & Water system has undergone federal monitoring for PFAS compounds under the EPA’s Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR5), which surveys ‘‘forever chemicals’’—per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances—to help inform treatment decisions.
Understanding the Hazard Index for PFAS Mixtures
Definition of Hazard Index
A hazard index combines potential effects of multiple PFAS compounds but does not represent an established health risk for the Shelby system since no violations are recorded. It helps frame cumulative presence without indicating unsafe conditions.
PFAS Compounds Surveyed
- PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA, PFBS, PFHxA, PFPeA, PFBA, and PFHpA
- Each compound’s detection level supports understanding mixtures but no detections exceeded reporting thresholds in Memphis.
How UCMR5 Differs from UCMR3 in Shelby County Monitoring
Expanded Compound List and Sensitivity
UCMR5 includes newer and additional fluorinated compounds compared to UCMR3, reflecting evolving scientific focus. It uses lower reporting levels, resulting in more sensitive detection capability.
Impact on Shelby Water System Data
All 20 monitoring results for the listed PFAS compounds show no detections above reporting levels, demonstrating a stable profile under current federal survey conditions.
Changes in Treated Water at the Tap with the Documented Technology
Reduction of PFAS Compounds
The Pentair PFAS Forever Chemicals Filter targets fluorinated compounds effectively, reducing potential presence in household drinking water. It ships ready to configure for residential setups without requiring professional service.
Maintaining Household Water Quality
The system addresses ‘‘forever chemicals’’ by filtering PFAS at the point of use, which may improve taste and reduce concerns related to these substances for households opting for additional treatment.
How PFAS Compounds Enter Groundwater and Distribution Systems in Shelby
Common Sources
- Industrial uses such as firefighting foam, manufacturing, and landfill leachate can introduce PFAS to groundwater sources.
- These compounds persist in the environment, potentially migrating into water supplies over time.
Implications for a Groundwater-Sourced System
Because Memphis relies on groundwater, monitoring programs like UCMR5 are vital to track any emerging presence of PFAS in the system before reaching the tap.
Household Fixtures and Appliances Affected First by PFAS Presence
Tap Water Use
Faucets and water dispensers used for drinking and cooking are the first points that may require treatment, as these applications involve ingestion.
Appliances
Ice makers and coffee machines that use tap water can also be impacted by PFAS concentrations, making filtration relevant for these appliances.
Information to Collect Before Seeking Treatment Advice
- Obtain a recent, EPA-certified water test specific to your household’s tap water focusing on PFAS compounds.
- Note the local public water system information: Memphis Light, Gas, & Water (TN0000450), serving Shelby County.
- Document any household water use patterns, such as which fixtures are primary sources of drinking water.
- Understand the types of PFAS compounds detected regionally through public data to discuss appropriate filtration technology.
Memphis Light, Gas, & Water’s public record through UCMR5 shows zero detections of PFAS compounds above reporting levels in this groundwater-sourced community water system. This data covers the entire system, not individual homes. For personalized assessment, household tap water testing is necessary. The EPA’s public water system record is the comprehensive source for current monitoring information.
Where this information comes from
Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2024-10-02. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.
On record: EPA UCMR5 monitoring (2023-2025) for MEMPHIS LIGHT, GAS, & WATER (TN0000450), TN: 200 results across 10 listed contaminants, 0 detections above the reporting level; nothing detected above the method reporting level
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