Pentair PFAS Forever Chemicals Filter

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Common Misunderstanding: Detected PFAS Means Unsafe Water

Many households confronted with the idea of PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, worry immediately that their water is unsafe. It is important to understand that the detection of PFAS compounds in water systems does not itself mean the water is unsafe or in violation of federal health standards. The presence of these fluorinated compounds—sometimes called 'forever chemicals'—is measured regularly by governmental agencies like the EPA to inform but not alarm residents.

Which PFAS Compounds in This Record Have Federal MCLs?

The Murray City Water System in Salt Lake County reports monitoring 38 samples between April 2024 and February 2025 for various PFAS chemicals. According to the EPA, federal maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) established in 2024 apply to several compounds, including PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, and PFNA, among others.

• PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic acid) had 1 detection at the reporting level of 0.004 micrograms per liter, well below the federal limit of 4.0 nanograms per liter (ng/L).
• PFOS (Perfluorooctane sulfonate) was not detected above the reporting threshold in any samples.
• PFHxS (Perfluorohexane sulfonic acid) appeared in 4 samples, with highest levels of 0.0042 micrograms per liter, below the MCL of 10 ng/L.
• Other compounds such as PFNA, HFPO-DA, and others monitored showed no detections above their respective reporting levels or MCLs.

No federal MCL was exceeded in the system records, indicating compliance with current health-based standards.

Distinguishing PFAS from Other Water Quality Issues

While PFAS are a serious concern due to their persistence and potential bioaccumulation, they differ from more common water issues like microbial contamination or mineral hardness. Unlike pathogens or metals, PFAS compounds are synthetic fluorinated substances used in industrial applications, not naturally occurring. Their detection in municipal water typically reflects environmental exposure rather than a plumbing defect or local contamination isolated to one household.

Sources Relevant to Salt Lake County's PFAS Record

Contributions to PFAS in groundwater can come from multiple industrial and commercial sources. Common origins include firefighting foam residues, textile finishing operations, and landfill leachate. For the Murray City Water System, the EPA data and groundwater source note suggest these activities as plausible contributors. However, the system's monitoring results show levels remain below current federal standards.

Understanding the Hazard Index for Mixed PFAS Compounds

Some PFAS compounds do not yet have federal MCLs but may still be detected. The hazard index is a conceptual tool used to consider the combined presence of multiple fluorinated compounds without implying a specific health risk. This index accounts for mixture effects but is not a substitute for regulatory limits or safety determinations. Households should interpret this as part of ongoing research rather than an immediate cause for alarm.

Which Household Fixtures and Appliances Are Affected First?

PFAS, due to their chemical properties, tend to show in the water supply first, impacting water used for drinking, cooking, and bathing. Fixtures such as kitchen taps and filtration devices see the earliest influence. Appliances that use water internally can have exposure to PFAS but do not generate these compounds themselves.

To address the concern of PFAS presence in household water, the Pentair PFAS Forever Chemicals Filter is designed to reduce these compounds effectively. It ships ready to configure and is documented to help mitigate PFAS at the point of water use.

Next Step: Testing and Confirming Your Household Water

Given that the EPA's monitoring reflects system-wide data, individual households interested in assessing their water's PFAS content should order a comprehensive water test from a certified laboratory. This test should specifically measure PFAS at levels consistent with federal reporting thresholds. A result below these detection levels offers reassurance; detections above reporting levels warrant further consideration and potential action.

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