Understanding PFAS Data for Scott County Households
Data from the Shakopee public water system, serving Scott County, comes from a federal source water survey (UCMR5) rather than individual household wells. This means the results represent broad system water quality and cannot specify the PFAS concentration at any one home.
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, include multiple fluorinated compounds sometimes called "forever chemicals" because they persist in the environment. They appear in trace amounts and are monitored for health and aesthetic impacts.
Granular Carbon Beds Versus Ion-Exchange Resins for PFAS
Granular activated carbon selectively adsorbs longer-chain PFAS compounds effectively.
Ion-exchange resins better target shorter-chain PFAS that carbon may miss.
Combining these methods addresses a wider range of fluorinated substances, optimizing removal.
Differences Between UCMR5 and UCMR3 Monitoring
UCMR5 surveyed a broader list of PFAS compounds, including replacements not covered by UCMR3.
Reporting levels in UCMR5 are lower, detecting smaller concentrations.
UCMR5 results provide updated occurrence data useful for understanding regional water quality trends.
Sample Size and Scope Behind Scott County’s PFAS Data
The dataset includes 26 samples from the system serving 47,000 people.
This sample size offers a regional snapshot but does not indicate individual household water quality.
Private well water may differ and should be tested separately to determine specific PFAS levels.
Sources of PFAS in Scott County Watershed
Historical uses such as firefighting foam can contribute to regional PFAS presence.
Textile finishing and landfills are other known potential regional sources.
Local geological and industrial factors influence which compounds appear and at what levels.
Which PFAS Compounds Have 2024 Federal Maximum Contaminant Levels?
PFOA and PFOS now carry a 2024 federal MCL of 4.0 nanograms per liter (4 parts per trillion).
PFHxS, PFNA, and HFPO-DA have federal MCLs set at 10 nanograms per liter (10 parts per trillion).
Other detected compounds in Scott County do not currently have federal MCLs.
How the Fleck PFAS Forever Chemicals Filter Addresses Your Water
It uses a combination of granular carbon and ion-exchange resin media tailored to reduce a broad spectrum of PFAS.
The system ships ready to configure for residential use, allowing direct purchase with no need for outside service.
By targeting both longer- and shorter-chain PFAS, it effectively lowers fluorinated compound levels in household water.
What Scott County Residents Should Not Conclude from Area Data
The presence of any PFAS detections at the regional system level does not mean your household water exceeds legal limits or is unsafe to drink. No health-based violations appear in the area’s water system record.
Only testing your own well or tap water can reveal actual PFAS concentrations in your home. Regional data informs what might be present but does not establish individual conditions.
The Fleck PFAS Forever Chemicals Filter offers a documented technology option if you want to manage or reduce PFAS in your household water after existing equipment has stopped performing as expected.
Where this information comes from
Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2025-08-18. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.
On record: EPA UCMR5 monitoring (2023-2025) for Shakopee (MN1700009), MN: 260 results across 10 listed contaminants, 46 detections above the reporting level; compared with the applicable federal MCL, none above