Fleck PFAS Forever Chemicals Filter

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Households in Notre Dame, within St. Joseph County, Indiana, often encounter information about PFAS or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, sometimes called "forever chemicals." Understanding what regional EPA monitoring data can—and cannot—tell you about your home's water is key when deciding on treatment needs.

Myth: UCMR5 Surveys Detect All Relevant PFAS Compounds Equally

The EPA's Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule 5 (UCMR5) campaign surveys a specific set of PFAS compounds in public water systems. This federal survey, covering the University of Notre Dame's water system serving about 7,400 people, focuses on a group of compounds including PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA, PFBS, and others. Compared to the earlier UCMR3 round, UCMR5 uses a slightly different panel of substances and more sensitive detection levels.

Of the samples from this system, only PFOA showed a detection above the reporting level, reaching 0.0041 micrograms per liter (µg/L), which equals 4.1 nanograms per liter (ng/L) or parts per trillion (ppt). This is just above the new federal maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 4.0 ng/L established in 2024. PFBS was detected in four samples but well below any federal MCL. Other compounds in the survey were not detected above reporting levels. Importantly, the survey is a measurement tool, not a compliance test, and a detection is not a violation or safety finding.

Myth: Newer PFAS Compounds Detected Always Pose Known Health Risks

The EPA has introduced hazard indices to address mixtures of PFAS, considering combined exposures rather than single compounds alone. This index provides a measure but does not establish a health claim or individual risk level. While UFAS compounds like PFOA and PFOS have defined limits, others such as PFBS detected in this system have no federal MCL yet.

Without site-specific testing, it is impossible to conclude your household's water contains a certain concentration or combination of PFAS. The hazard index helps frame the relative presence of multiple compounds but does not confirm health outcomes or legal violations.

Myth: Treated Water at the Tap Does Not Differ Regarding PFAS

Choosing water treatment devices designed to address PFAS can significantly reduce the presence of these fluorinated chemicals at the tap. The documented Fleck PFAS Forever Chemicals Filter uses technology proven to reduce various PFAS compounds, including PFOA and PFBS, regardless of fluctuations in source water levels. This system ships ready to configure and operates in line with water quality needs for households aiming to lower PFAS exposure.

Myth: Sample Depth or Well Type Uniformly Predicts PFAS Levels

Sampling depth and well construction affect PFAS presence in groundwater. The varied depths of source wells serving Notre Dame influence the PFAS concentrations measured. Groundwater sources can have different exposure pathways compared to surface water, contributing to differences observed during monitoring. However, these factors alone cannot specify PFAS concentrations in any individual home.

Myth: Comparing PFAS Records Across Counties Indicates Direct Water Quality Differences

While comparing UCMR5 results between St. Joseph and neighboring counties might seem logical, such comparisons require care. Variations in regional industrial history, groundwater flow, sampling timing, and methodology can affect detected PFAS levels. These differences do not necessarily indicate better or worse water in any one area without further localized testing.

Myth: Specific Symptoms Clearly Indicate PFAS Exposure in the Home

There are no direct household or facility symptoms uniquely linked to PFAS in water. Common health issues often attributed to PFAS exposure cannot be diagnosed based solely on water quality data. Confirming PFAS presence and concentration through laboratory testing is necessary before considering correlations to health.

To resolve questions about your household's water, order a detailed PFAS lab test from a certified water analysis service. A quantified result below 4.0 ng/L for PFOA and PFOS would align with federal MCLs and help you decide on the necessity and class of treatment. The Fleck PFAS Forever Chemicals Filter offers a documented option for households seeking effective reduction of these compounds.

Where this information comes from

Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2025-09-22. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.

On record: EPA UCMR5 monitoring (2023-2025) for UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME (IN5271020), IN: 140 results across 10 listed contaminants, 5 detections above the reporting level; 1 results above a 2024 federal MCL