1. Differences Between UCMR5 and UCMR3 in Compounds Surveyed and Reporting Levels
The latest federal survey, the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule 5 (UCMR5), conducted in 2023 for the South Alabama Utilities Water System serving Citronelle, Mobile County, expanded the scope of PFAS compounds monitored compared to the earlier UCMR3. Where UCMR3 focused primarily on PFOA and PFOS, UCMR5 checks a broader range of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances including PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA, PFBS, PFHxA, PFPeA, PFBA, and PFHpA.
The reporting levels established for detection are notably low—generally between 0.003 and 0.005 micrograms per liter (µg/L), equivalent to 3 to 5 parts per trillion (ppt). The data collected through this survey reveal no measured concentrations of PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA, PFBS, PFHxA, PFPeA, or PFHpA above their respective reporting levels. Only PFBA was detected in three of twenty-eight samples above its reporting level, with highest values far below federal maximum contaminant levels effective in 2024.
2. Understanding the Hazard Index for Mixtures of Newer Fluorinated Compounds
Hazard indices combine exposure estimates across multiple related compounds to assess potential cumulative effects. However, the EPA’s hazard index methodology does not establish unsafe conditions but rather supports risk management decisions. For Citronelle's water system, the absence of detectable PFOA and PFOS, combined with low-level detections of PFBA, means the overall hazard index from these newer fluorinated compounds remains well within ranges that do not indicate federal health concerns. Households considering treatment should understand that this index does not measure their private water but provides a regional baseline.
3. Differentiating PFAS Presence from Commonly Confused Water Issues
PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” differ fundamentally from other common household water concerns such as hardness minerals or microbial contamination. Unlike metals or bacteria, PFAS are synthetic fluorinated compounds that do not cause turbidity or typical taste and odor issues. Residents sometimes mistake filter capacity struggles due to PFAS for problems like sediment buildup or iron staining, but these issues have different treatment approaches. The presence of PFAS compounds documented in the public water system record is distinct and requires specialized filter media designed specifically for fluorinated chemical reduction.
4. Routine Care for Fleck PFAS Forever Chemicals Filter
For households needing enhanced PFAS reduction beyond existing equipment, the Fleck PFAS Forever Chemicals Filter ships ready to configure and features a maintenance rhythm designed for manageable care. Regular media replacement intervals and periodic backflush cycles ensure sustained performance. This rhythm prevents filter depletion that could otherwise let PFAS breakthrough occur when capacity is reached. Keeping maintenance current aligns filter capacity with household water use and PFAS demand.
5. What 'Detected', 'Median', and 'Range' Mean in the Sampling Record
In EPA sampling results, ‘detected’ means the analytical instrument measured a compound above a known reporting threshold but not necessarily at a level indicating concern. The ‘median’ refers to the middle value among detected samples, illustrating typical concentration when present. ‘Range’ shows the lowest and highest measured values across all samples. For Citronelle’s system, PFBA was detected in only three samples with a median close to the highest detection reported, while other PFAS compounds went undetected in all samples.
6. Distinguishing Public Water System Records from Private Well Testing
The EPA data reflect an aggregate monitoring of the South Alabama Utilities public water system, covering nearly 20,000 connections and 39,000 people in Citronelle. These records provide a system-wide snapshot but do not establish the quality of any individual home’s tap water. A private well household experiencing persistent PFAS challenges should conduct a site-specific water test to confirm their unique water chemistry. This step ensures any treatment addresses the actual contaminants present, supplementing the regional data.
Closing Note: For households in Citronelle finding their current filtration unable to fully manage PFAS demands despite overall low system levels, upgrading with the Fleck PFAS Forever Chemicals Filter offers a proactive step. This equipment effectively handles common regional PFAS compounds, including those like PFBA detected in local surveys, and supports consistent water quality matched to measured household usage.
Where this information comes from
Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2023-12-07. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.
On record: EPA UCMR5 monitoring (2023-2025) for SOUTH ALABAMA UTILITIES WATER SYSTEM (AL0000967), AL: 280 results across 10 listed contaminants, 3 detections above the reporting level; compared with the applicable federal MCL, none above
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