What PFAS are
PFAS, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, have been used since the 1940s because they resist grease, oil, water and heat. They are found in stain- and water-resistant fabrics, cleaning products, paints, firefighting foams and some food packaging, and they last a long time in the environment. The city's PFAS page points residents to EPA, ATSDR, NIEHS and FDA for more information.
Boynton Beach's 2025 results
| Compound | Level detected (ppt) | Range (ppt) |
|---|---|---|
| PFOS | 26.5 | 0.38 to 31 |
| PFOA | 8.8 | ND to 9.8 |
| PFPeA | 8.3 | ND to 9.1 |
| PFBS | 7.8 | ND to 8.8 |
| PFHxS | 7.3 | ND to 8.3 |
| PFBA | 6.2 | ND to 7.1 |
| PFHxA | 6.2 | ND to 6.8 |
Samples were taken in February, May, August and November 2025, and the report lists them under unregulated contaminants. ND means not detected; ppt means parts per trillion.
What the city is doing
On its Investing in Your Water page, the city says its water meets all current state and federal drinking water standards, that new EPA PFAS rules take effect by 2029, and that it is upgrading its treatment plants ahead of the deadline. It lists 2027 for completing nationwide PFAS monitoring and 2029 for new federal PFAS treatment requirements. EPA's PFAS drinking water pages explain the federal limits and the current compliance timeline.
Choosing a home filter
- Look for NSF/ANSI 53 (filters) or NSF/ANSI 58 (reverse osmosis) certification that lists PFOA and PFOS reduction.
- Match the exact model number on the certifier's listing; EPA has a guide to identifying filters certified to reduce PFAS.
- Check capacity and replace cartridges on schedule.
- In a chloramine city, an RO's carbon prefilter must also suit chloramine to protect the membrane.
Living Water does not claim PFAS reduction for its systems. Jorge will tell you to verify certification for any model, including anything he shows you.
Testing your own tap
PFAS testing requires a certified lab using EPA methods. Jorge's free test covers disinfectant, hardness, dissolved solids, pH and iron, not PFAS, but he will walk through the city's numbers with you in plain words. Questions about the city's results can go to the water quality lab at 561-742-6964. See home screening vs. lab analysis.
Private wells
The city's data does not cover a private well. Only a certified lab test of the well can. See well water in Boynton Beach. Call, text or WhatsApp (305) 793-5974 with questions.
https://www.boynton-beach.org/DocumentCenter/View/4063/2025-Water-Quality-Report-for-the-City-of-Boynton-Beach-9
https://www.boynton-beach.org/682/PFAS
https://www.boynton-beach.org/922/Investing-in-Your-Water
https://www.epa.gov/sdwa/and-polyfluoroalkyl-substances-pfas
https://www.epa.gov/water-research/identifying-drinking-water-filters-certified-reduce-pfas
Updated 2026-10-17 · Living Waters · Jorge Canela, Water Quality Specialist