The 2023–2025 EPA Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule 5 (UCMR5) survey reports detections of several PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) compounds in the Southwood Water System serving over 64,000 people in Pierce County, WA. These findings reflect the system’s surface water supply, not any individual home’s water.
If You Want to Understand How UCMR5 Sampling Differs from Prior Monitoring
The UCMR5 survey extends earlier UCMR3 efforts by measuring a broader set of fluorinated compounds, including new targets like HFPO-DA and PFBS, at detection reporting levels mostly around a few nanograms per litre (ng/L). This survey uses more sensitive analytical methods, allowing detection at parts per trillion ranges, to better characterize the presence of 'forever chemicals' in drinking water.
If You Wonder Why PFOA and PFOS Are Reported in Such Tiny Units with Four Decimals
Measured in nanograms per litre (equivalent to parts per trillion), PFOA and PFOS concentrations reported with four decimal places, like 0.0062 µg/L (6.2 ng/L), reflect the need to quantify extremely low levels reliably. These minute quantities are significant because the federal maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for PFOA and PFOS, effective 2024, are set at 4.0 ng/L each, underscoring the sensitivity of detection required to understand their presence.
If You Are Considering What to Record Before Seeking Treatment Advice
Before requesting water treatment information, note these key details from publicly reported data for the Southwood system: PFOA detections reached up to 6.2 ng/L with three results above the 4.0 ng/L MCL; PFOS detected up to 8.9 ng/L with six positive results, five exceeding the MCL. Other PFAS such as PFHxS and PFNA were not detected above their reporting levels. This summary can guide conversations about treatment that matches your household’s water quality context.
If You Want to Know What the Detection Range Means Relative to Federal Limits—and What It Does Not Mean
Detecting PFAS compounds above the reporting level is a measurement, not an EPA violation or determination of unsafe water. For instance, some PFOA and PFOS results slightly exceed new federal MCLs, but this does not imply the entire public system or any home in Pierce County has unsafe water. The data represent snapshots of surface water sources and illustrate variability in PFAS presence, informing potential treatment needs without indicating compliance failures.
If You Need Clarification on Terms Like 'Detected,' 'Median,' and 'Range' in This Record
- Detected means the compound was found at or above the laboratory’s reporting level, not that it exceeds health standards.
- Median is the middle value of detected concentrations, which helps describe typical presence among detections.
- Range spans from the lowest to highest measured values across samples, reflecting variability over time and locations.
If You Are Deciding How to Proceed with Testing and Screening
Start by confirming your household’s water source and whether you rely on the Southwood public system or a private well, as these differ significantly. The least costly initial step is a basic water quality check focused on PFAS parameters. If levels suggest concern or your current system’s capacity is insufficient, the next step is a laboratory test specifically quantifying PFAS compounds at nanogram per litre sensitivity to establish your home’s exact profile.
For homes where existing treatment struggles to keep up with detected PFAS levels from the Southwood system's surface water supply, the C-Series PFAS Forever Chemicals Filter ships ready to configure. This system is specifically designed to reduce a broad range of PFAS compounds, helping households manage 'forever chemicals' more effectively once accurate testing confirms the need.
Ultimately, ordering a comprehensive PFAS water test from a certified laboratory that quantifies PFOA, PFOS, and related compounds at nanogram per litre sensitivity will clarify your specific water quality. A result clearly below federal MCLs would indicate no further treatment for PFAS is needed; results at or above suggest considering enhanced filtration like the C-Series system.
Where this information comes from
Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2025-10-01. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.
On record: EPA UCMR5 monitoring (2023-2025) for SOUTHWOOD WATER SYSTEM (WA5382844), WA: 500 results across 10 listed contaminants, 25 detections above the reporting level; 8 results above a 2024 federal MCL