Data collected by federal agencies offers a broad view of water quality across communities but does not specify conditions in any single household. For residents of Lake City served by the Anderson County Water Authority, the EPA's 2023-2025 Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR5) survey provides insights into the presence of PFAS compounds in the public water supply, yet individual plumbing and household equipment status influence actual exposure and treatment needs.

Differences Between UCMR5 and UCMR3 Surveys

Sampling Parameters Expanded in UCMR5

• UCMR5 monitored nine PFAS compounds, including individual substances such as PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, and newer substances like HFPO-DA and PFBS.
• The detection thresholds in UCMR5 are generally lower than in previous surveys, with reporting levels down to 0.003–0.005 micrograms per liter (µg/L), enabling identification of very low concentrations.
• This expanded scope improves understanding of the distribution of both legacy and emerging fluorinated compounds, known collectively as PFAS or 'forever chemicals'.

Legacy Versus Newer Compounds

• UCMR3 focused on a smaller set of PFAS, primarily PFOA and PFOS; UCMR5 includes additional, more recently identified substances.
• This broader detection range helps capture more comprehensive chemical profiles, though not all have established federal maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) yet.

Interpreting the Hazard Index for Mixed PFAS Exposures

What the Hazard Index Indicates

• The hazard index is a calculated value representing the combined potential effect of multiple PFAS compounds in a water source, based on modeled toxicity benchmarks.
• It is a research tool that does not translate directly into health risk assessments or regulatory criteria for individual households or systems.
• Households seeking clarity on their water quality should consider independent testing to evaluate specific contaminant levels relevant to their home.

Limitations of the Hazard Index

• It does not reflect actual health violations or safety determinations under EPA regulations.
• It serves as an informational guide rather than a diagnostic result for drinking water safety.

Understanding the Measured Concentrations and Federal Standards

EPA Monitoring Results in Anderson County Water

• No compounds were detected above the respective federal maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) set to take effect in 2024—examples include 4 nanograms per liter (ng/L) or parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOA and PFOS.
• Only PFBS was detected once at 0.004 µg/L (4 ng/L), which remains below the new federal MCL threshold of 10 ng/L.
• Detection above reporting levels indicates the presence of compounds but does not imply exceedances of health-based regulatory limits or unsafe status.

What This Data Does Not Establish

• The concentration in any specific household's water cannot be known without direct water testing at that location.
• Detection does not equal contamination or health risk; it is a measurement result reported for informational and monitoring purposes.

Interpreting Anderson County Data for Homeowners: A Worked Example

Median and Range in Practice

• For PFBS, the only compound detected above the reporting level, median detected concentration was reported as 0.004 µg/L (4 ng/L), which means half the samples were at or below this level.
• Zero detections above the MCL means the system’s water is within federal guidelines at the community level.
• Individual water samples may vary; therefore, homeowner testing is recommended for an exact profile.

When Equipment Failure Occurs

• Failure of existing treatment equipment at the household level can reduce confidence in water quality, motivating consideration of additional filtration options.
• Choosing technologies designed specifically to address PFAS can help restore control over drinking water quality.

How Treated Water Improves with the C-Series PFAS Forever Chemicals Filter

Targeted Reduction of ‘Forever Chemicals’

• The C-Series system is engineered to reduce multiple PFAS compounds, including legacy and emerging substances detected in regional water supplies.
• This filtration technology uses advanced media known to adsorb a broad range of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances from water.

Household Water Quality After Treatment

• Once configured, the C-Series system acts at the point of use to lower PFAS concentrations, improving water for drinking and cooking.
• It provides an additional layer of PFAS management capability, particularly valuable when existing equipment can no longer perform adequately.

EPA’s UCMR5 data for Anderson County Water Authority reflects community water quality trends based on surface water sources serving Lake City residents. The survey identifies low-level presence of certain PFAS compounds without exceeding federal maximum contaminant levels effective in 2024. Because this data reflects system-wide monitoring rather than individual homes, personal water testing is essential to confirm specific conditions. The C-Series PFAS Forever Chemicals Filter offers a documented approach to address household-level PFAS concerns with advanced filtration technology designed for broad compound reduction. For detailed information on water system monitoring, consult the EPA’s public water system records.

Where this information comes from

Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2025-10-15. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.

On record: EPA UCMR5 monitoring (2023-2025) for ANDERSON COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY (TN0000514), TN: 190 results across 10 listed contaminants, 1 detections above the reporting level; compared with the applicable federal MCL, none above