PFAS Water Filter in Coral Gables

What PFAS are

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a large family of man-made chemicals used in non-stick, stain-resistant and water-repellent products and some firefighting foams. They break down very slowly, which is why they are sometimes called forever chemicals. The U.S. EPA has issued national drinking water standards for several PFAS, including PFOA and PFOS.

Where to see Coral Gables results

Coral Gables is supplied by the Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department (WASD), so WASD's reports are the place to look:

• WASD's 2025 Water Quality Report includes PFAS results, including PFOS, PFOA, PFNA and a PFAS Hazard Index, for its main system, which includes the Alexander Orr plant serving most of the Gables.
• WASD explains that initial compliance monitoring is underway, that results become a required part of water quality reports beginning with the 2027 reports, and that the compliance date for the new limits comes later. It says its systems are already taking measures to comply.
• EPA's UCMR 5 program also collected PFAS data from large utilities nationwide, available through EPA's website.

Read the numbers in context: the report explains units (parts per trillion), the new limits, and the timeline.

Which filters to trust

PFAS reduction is a specific claim, and it should be backed by certification:

• NSF/ANSI 53 covers filters, often carbon-based, for health-related contaminants including PFOA and PFOS reduction.
• NSF/ANSI 58 covers reverse osmosis systems, which can be certified for PFOA and PFOS reduction.

Certification is model-specific. A brand can have one certified model and another that is not. Look up the exact model number in the certifier's listing and confirm PFOA and PFOS are on it. Do not rely on general marketing words like removes chemicals.

What we will and will not tell you

Living Water does not claim that its systems remove PFAS. If PFAS reduction is your goal, Jorge will point you to certification listings so you can verify any model you consider, including under-sink RO. An in-home screening measures things like chloramine, hardness and dissolved solids; PFAS testing requires a certified laboratory.

Practical steps for Gables households

1. Read WASD's latest Water Quality Report and the PFAS section.
2. Decide whether drinking and cooking water are your focus (point-of-use) or the whole house.
3. Shortlist models certified to NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 for PFOA and PFOS.
4. Ask about replacement schedules; PFAS performance depends on changing filters on time.

For drinking-water options, see the best drinking water system for a Coral Gables home. To book a visit, call, text or WhatsApp Jorge at (305) 793-5974.

Updated 2026-10-17 · Living Waters · Jorge Canela, Water Quality Specialist