If You See Which PFAS Carry a 2024 Federal Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL)
In the Murray City Water System serving Salt Lake County, federal monitoring under UCMR5 detected various PFAS substances in groundwater-sourced water. Among these, only PFOA and PFOS have established 2024 federal MCLs set at 4 ng/L (nanograms per litre, or parts per trillion). Monitoring found no samples above these MCLs for PFOA or PFOS. Other PFAS compounds such as PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA, PFBS, PFHxA, PFPeA, PFBA, and PFHpA were detected at levels below their respective federal MCLs or have no MCL assigned. Recognizing which compounds are regulated by MCLs can guide your treatment decisions by focusing on substances with specific federal standards.
If You Consider the Hazard Index for Newer Fluorinated Compounds Mixtures
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also called 'forever chemicals,' often occur as complex mixtures rather than isolated chemicals. The concept of a hazard index addresses potential combined effects of low-level exposures but does not establish safety or risk levels for individual homes. The presence of multiple PFAS at low concentrations, none above their federal MCLs in your public water system, means federal monitoring does not indicate a breach of health-based standards. However, understanding the combined presence helps evaluate the need for targeted treatment technologies rather than relying solely on single-compound measures.
If You Leave PFAS Untreated Over Years in a Household Water Supply
Long-term exposure to PFAS in water is an area of ongoing scientific study, focusing on potential health risks related to cumulative ingestion. Untreated fluorinated compounds remain dissolved in water supplies and persist indefinitely due to their chemical stability. While the Murray City Water System record reports no MCL exceedances, individual water quality can differ. For residential water, treatment can reduce PFAS concentrations by targeting these stable compounds, thus lowering their presence in household use and consumption. Ignoring PFAS in water does not change the water’s composition but leaves all detected fluorinated compounds at their supply levels.
If You Choose a Maintenance Rhythm for a PFAS Treatment System
The Fleck PFAS Forever Chemicals Filter ships ready to configure for residential use and employs filtration technology designed to reduce PFAS compounds efficiently. Maintenance involves routine media replacement and system checks based on water usage and water quality changes over time. The recommended interval typically depends on your household’s demand and local water PFAS detections; generally, expect to monitor and refresh the system media every 6 to 12 months for continued effectiveness. This routine ensures your filtration system continues to address the detected fluorinated compounds in your water consistent with system specifications.
If You Confuse PFAS With Other Water Quality Issues
PFAS must be distinguished from other common water problems such as hardness, iron staining, or microbial contamination. Unlike these issues, PFAS are synthetic fluorinated compounds resistant to breakdown and require specialized filtration technology. Their detection in the Murray City Water System primarily relates to groundwater contamination patterns distinct from mineral or biological water quality concerns. Treatment systems focused on PFAS will not address unrelated water problems, so understanding this distinction helps select the right equipment class for your household needs.
Closing Recommendation
To resolve uncertainty about PFAS in your home’s water, order a comprehensive PFAS-specific water test from an accredited laboratory. This test measures individual fluorinated compounds including PFOA, PFOS, and other relevant substances to confirm your specific water conditions. Results showing no PFAS above federal MCLs would support continued use of existing water supply, while any detection can guide the selection and timing of a Fleck PFAS Forever Chemicals Filter or similar technology to reduce these compounds in your household water.
Where this information comes from
Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2025-02-03. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.
On record: EPA UCMR5 monitoring (2023-2025) for MURRAY CITY WATER SYSTEM (UTAH18024), UT: 380 results across 10 listed contaminants, 23 detections above the reporting level; compared with the applicable federal MCL, none above