PFAS in plain words
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are used in nonstick, stain-resistant and water-repellent products, some firefighting foams and industrial processes. They persist in the environment for a very long time. The reports for this area list their likely sources as industrial discharge, certain consumer products, occupational exposures and certain firefighting activities.
Reading Hialeah's PFAS table
Under 2024 Additional Contaminants Monitoring, the city's report lists PFOS, PFOA, PFNA, PFHxS and a PFAS Hazard Index in three columns:
- Miami-Dade WASD: the county water Hialeah purchases.
- Hialeah RO: marked not detected at the reverse osmosis plant's point of entry.
- Hialeah distribution: samples from the city's own pipe network, where the two supplies mix.
Miami-Dade's companion report explains that these results come from monitoring for new regulations, with an initial three-year period ending in 2027 and until 2029 to address exceedances. For help reading the city report, call Public Works at 305-556-3800 ext. 2542.
Federal rules in flux
The EPA finalized limits for six PFAS in April 2024. In 2025 it proposed giving utilities until 2031 for PFOA and PFOS and rescinding the limits for PFHxS, PFNA, GenX and the Hazard Index. Those proposals were open for comment, so check the EPA's PFAS drinking water page for the current status.
If you want a PFAS filter
- Choose a type with a PFAS track record: certified carbon block filters (NSF/ANSI 53) or reverse osmosis (NSF/ANSI 58).
- Make sure the certification specifically lists PFOA and PFOS reduction.
- Look up the exact model number on the certifier's listing. The EPA's guide to certified PFAS filters links to it.
- Replace cartridges on the certified schedule.
A whole-home sediment or chloramine filter is not the same as a PFAS-certified drinking water system. See carbon filtration vs. reverse osmosis for how the technologies differ.
What Jorge can and cannot do
Living Water does not claim its systems remove PFAS. Jorge's free in-home test covers everyday factors like disinfectant and hardness, not PFAS, which require a certified laboratory measuring parts per trillion. He can walk you through the city report and the certifications to look for. Call, text or WhatsApp (305) 793-5974.
https://www.hialeahfl.gov/Archive.aspx?ADID=534
https://www.miamidade.gov/water/library/reports/water-quality-2024.pdf
https://www.epa.gov/water-research/identifying-drinking-water-filters-certified-reduce-pfas
https://www.epa.gov/sdwa/and-polyfluoroalkyl-substances-pfas
Updated 2026-10-17 · Living Waters · Jorge Canela, Water Quality Specialist