The Portsmouth Water Works public water system in Rockingham County, NH, serves about 33,000 people through 7,200 connections, sourcing water from surface supplies. Recent federal monitoring under the EPA's Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR5) detected several PFAS compounds, including PFOA and PFOS, at low levels, with no health-based violations recorded. This guide walks Portsmouth households through interpreting these findings and weighing treatment options.
1. Understanding PFAS Concentrations: Nanograms per Liter and Decimal Precision
PFAS compounds like PFOA and PFOS are measured in nanograms per liter (ng/L), equivalent to parts per trillion (ppt). These units reflect extremely low concentrations—one nanogram is one-billionth of a gram, and one ppt is one part of a substance per trillion parts of water. The government data for Portsmouth shows detections with values such as 0.007 µg/L (7 ng/L), typically recorded to four decimal places, highlighting the sensitivity of modern instruments and the trace presence of these compounds.
2. Hazard Index for PFAS Mixtures: Evaluating Multiple Compounds Together
Besides PFOA and PFOS, other per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA, PFBS, PFHxA, PFPeA, PFBA, PFHpA) appear in the monitoring results. While individual concentrations are low, assessing combined exposure involves a hazard index—a comparative ratio of detected levels to reference benchmarks. This index helps understand the overall fluorinated compound presence, commonly called 'forever chemicals,' without implying health risks but supporting informed treatment decisions.
3. Maintaining the Fleck PFAS Forever Chemicals Filter: Simple Care for Effective Service
One recommended approach for reducing PFAS in residential water is the Fleck PFAS Forever Chemicals Filter. This system ships ready to configure and requires a straightforward maintenance routine. Typically, periodic media replacement and routine system checks ensure consistent performance. Following recommended maintenance frequency maximizes longevity and treatment reliability without complex procedures.
4. Matching Treatment Capacity to Household Water Use
Choosing appropriate PFAS treatment depends on daily water demand. Households should consider peak usage, including all taps, appliances, and irrigation, to select a system with adequate capacity. The Fleck System offers scalable options to suit varied consumption levels, providing flexibility for individual household needs.
5. Influence of Water Source and Sampling Depth on Expected PFAS Levels
Portsmouth’s surface water source and sampling protocols affect detected PFAS levels. Surface waters often display different contaminant profiles compared to groundwater wells due to varied exposure and retention characteristics. Depth and sampling location also influence measurement outcomes, emphasizing the importance of site-specific water testing to complement public system data when evaluating household water quality.
In summary, Portsmouth's official water data reveals detectable but low levels of various PFAS compounds without health-based violations. By understanding measurement units, compound mixtures, treatment maintenance, capacity needs, and source factors, residents can confidently compare options. The Fleck PFAS Forever Chemicals Filter offers a documented technology to address these concerns effectively.
Where this information comes from
Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2024-05-10. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.
On record: EPA UCMR5 monitoring (2023-2025) for PORTSMOUTH WATER WORKS (NH1951010), NH: 180 results across 10 listed contaminants, 30 detections above the reporting level; 5 results above a 2024 federal MCL
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