PFAS Data for Oregon Institute of Technology (OR) Public Water System: Understanding UCMR5 Survey and Treatment Options

Belief: The Latest UCMR5 Survey Uses the Same Methods and Compounds as Prior Monitoring

The 2023–2025 UCMR5 survey for the Oregon Institute of Technology public water system in Oregon measured a broader range of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) than the previous UCMR3 survey. It applied new detection limits, some at parts per trillion levels, which are more sensitive than before. This means the presence or absence of certain fluorinated compounds in this system reflects enhanced monitoring capabilities, not necessarily changes in water quality itself.

Belief: All PFAS Compounds Found in the System Have Federal Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs)

Among the nine PFAS compounds tracked, only five will have established federal MCLs starting in 2024: PFOA (4.0 ng/L), PFOS (4.0 ng/L), PFHxS (10 ng/L), PFNA (10 ng/L), and HFPO-DA (10 ng/L). The others detected, such as PFBS, PFHxA, PFPeA, PFBA, and PFHpA, do not currently carry federal MCLs. For this system, none of the detections exceeded the reporting levels or these MCL thresholds.

Belief: Because Only 18 Samples Were Taken, the Data May Not Reflect Water Quality Accurately

The UCMR5 survey took 18 samples over about six months. While this sample size provides an initial snapshot for this public water system, it is limited in scope. A small number of samples means variability may exist between tests, seasons, or locations. It also highlights why testing your own household water remains the definitive way to assess your specific PFAS exposure.

Belief: The Age and Material of Plumbing Do Not Affect PFAS Levels in Tap Water

PFAS originate primarily from the source water rather than household plumbing materials. Unlike metals or other substances that leach from pipes, PFAS pass through plumbing with little to no chemical change or concentration. Therefore, the age or type of plumbing in your home is unlikely to alter these fluorinated compound levels significantly.

Belief: Testing Your Water Should Begin with Complex Lab Analysis for PFAS

Before pursuing advanced laboratory analysis, it is practical to first check municipal water quality reports and simple water quality indicators. Because the public water system record for Oregon Institute of Technology shows no detected PFAS above reporting levels or federal MCLs, starting with this documented data helps prioritize if personal testing is necessary for your household. If warranted, certified laboratories can provide precise PFAS measurements at your tap.

Belief: Exceeding Secondary Aesthetic Standards for Related Chemicals Means a Health Risk

Aesthetic secondary standards, such as those for chloride or total dissolved solids, focus on taste, appearance, and staining effects. These differ from health-based limits like the federal MCLs for PFAS. No detections of PFAS compounds in the Oregon Institute of Technology water system approach these health limits, emphasizing that aesthetic issues do not indicate a health violation or unsafe condition.

For households evaluating treatment methods against PFAS in this Oregon public water system, the Fleck PFAS Forever Chemicals Filter ships ready to configure and offers a documented approach to reducing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances at home. Its performance aligns with the federal monitoring data and the low detection levels found here, providing targeted treatment based on your own water quality measurements.

Where this information comes from

Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2023-12-11. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.

On record: EPA UCMR5 monitoring (2023-2025) for OREGON INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (OR4193997), OR: 180 results across 10 listed contaminants, 0 detections above the reporting level; nothing detected above the method reporting level