What PFAS are
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) have been used for decades in coatings and products that resist heat, oil, stains, grease and water. They break down very slowly, so they are found at low levels in water, soil and people around the world. PFOA and PFOS are the most studied.
Cooper City's results
UCMR 5 is EPA's nationwide study of contaminants that are not yet regulated, including 29 PFAS compounds. Cooper City's 2024 Water Quality Report says the utility participated in 2024 and that all samples collected were below detection limits for all UCMR analytes. The 2025 report lists UCMR results from June 2025 as not detected.
"Below detection limits" means the lab did not find them at or above the level its method can reliably measure. It is a test result, not a promise about every possible compound. EPA's national PFAS rules are still being implemented; check EPA's site for the current status.
If you want to read the results yourself, the city links both reports from its website, and Cooper City Utilities answers questions at (954) 434-5519.
Why membrane treatment matters here
Cooper City treats all of its water with membrane softening. That is useful context for your own decision, but the report does not attribute its PFAS results to any one treatment step, and neither do we. What we can say is what the published results show.
If you want a PFAS filter anyway
- Look for NSF/ANSI 53 or NSF/ANSI 58 certification that specifically includes PFOA and PFOS reduction.
- Confirm the claim on the exact model in the certifier's public listing.
- Follow the filter change schedule; a spent filter does not meet its claim.
What Living Water does and does not claim
Jorge can walk you through the city report and help you check a model's listing. The in-home test does not measure PFAS; that needs a certified lab. Living Water does not claim its systems remove PFAS.
Private wells
Wells are not part of the city's monitoring. If PFAS is a concern for a well, use a certified lab. See well water in Cooper City. Call, text or WhatsApp Jorge at (305) 793-5974.
https://www.coopercity.gov/waterqualityreport
https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/5674/Ccc/1b78f191-8457-4f75-8e89-ad822fdf71df/Cooper-City-2025-CCR-ENGLISH-WEB.pdf
https://www.epa.gov/dwucmr/fifth-unregulated-contaminant-monitoring-rule
Updated 2026-10-17 · Living Waters · Jorge Canela, Water Quality Specialist