If You Consider the Combined Presence of Multiple PFAS Compounds
Government monitoring of the Murray City Water System, serving over 38,000 people in Salt Lake County, Utah, found detections of several PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) compounds at low concentrations in groundwater supply. These include PFOA, PFHxS, PFBS, PFHxA, PFPeA, PFBA, and PFHpA, all detected in parts per trillion (nanograms per litre) and well below federal maximum contaminant levels set for health-based standards. While no single compound exceeds its limit, a hazard index considers the combined potential impact of all PFAS present. This index helps assess the overall mixture but does not establish unsafe conditions or specific health outcomes. It provides a framework to understand how multiple low-level detections might interact in terms of exposure assessment.
If You Know Your Plumbing Material and Its Age
The PFAS concentrations reported are from the public groundwater source and do not reflect changes that may occur within household plumbing. Materials such as older plastics or certain pipe linings can sometimes retain or release trace substances, but the variations are separate from source water data. The age and type of plumbing can affect water chemistry independently from the groundwater's PFAS levels. To determine your home’s exact water quality, testing is required at the tap, taking into account plumbing influence.
If You Are Confused About PFAS Compared to Common Water Quality Issues
PFAS, often called 'forever chemicals,' are distinct from issues like hard water (calcium and magnesium), iron staining, or microbial contamination. They are synthetic fluorinated compounds used in various industrial and consumer products, persistent in the environment. Unlike minerals causing hardness or rust, PFAS are organic chemicals that do not cause scaling or corrosion but require different treatment methods for removal. Understanding these differences helps households choose appropriate water treatment solutions.
If You Want to Interpret the Median and Highest Detection in the Government Record
The Murray City Water System's 2023-2025 federal monitoring measured PFOA once at 0.004 micrograms per litre (4 nanograms per litre), exactly at the reporting level and far below the federal MCL of 4.0 ng/L. PFHxS was detected four times with a highest value of 4.2 ng/L, still below the 10 ng/L standard. Other PFAS such as PFBS and PFHxA showed multiple detections just above their reporting levels but well under any health-based guideline. The median values for detections reflect these low levels, indicating that while PFAS are present, they are in trace amounts. Individual household water may differ; onsite testing is necessary for precise assessment.
If You Need to Understand Why Granular Carbon and Ion-Exchange Resin Are Differentiated for PFAS Treatment
PFAS removal technologies include granular activated carbon (GAC) and ion-exchange resins, each with documented strengths. GAC effectively adsorbs a range of PFAS compounds but can vary in capacity and regeneration needs. Ion-exchange resins are designed to target specific PFAS, often achieving lower residual concentrations for certain compounds. The household C-Series PFAS Forever Chemicals Filter utilizes a combination of media tailored for these substances, providing a documented approach to reduce PFAS levels in residential water. The choice between or combination of technologies depends on detected compounds and household water usage.
If Your Household Is Large, Has a Second Residence, or Uses Water Seasonally
Larger households or seasonal properties may require filtration systems with greater capacity or flow rates to handle daily water demand effectively while managing PFAS concentrations. The C-Series filter ships ready to configure for various household sizes and usage patterns. Matching the system’s capacity to your actual water use ensures that PFAS treatment keeps up with consumption, avoiding decreased performance as demand increases. Regular monitoring or periodic testing at the tap can help determine if adjustments or supplemental treatment are necessary over time.
The data presented here derives from the Murray City Water System's federally mandated monitoring program, reflecting measurements of fluorinated compounds in groundwater supplying Salt Lake County homes. For detailed data and updates, consult the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s Safe Drinking Water Information System and Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule results.
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