What PFAS are
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are thousands of related compounds used in nonstick, stain-resistant and water-resistant products and some firefighting foams. They persist in the environment. The EPA has set drinking water limits for several of them and monitored utilities nationwide under its fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 5).
District 1 results, 2025 report
| Compound | 1A result (µg/L) | Limit listed for 2029 (µg/L) |
|---|---|---|
| PFOA | 0.0078 | 0.004 |
| PFOS | 0.02 | 0.004 |
| PFHxS | 0.003 | 0.01 |
| PFNA | 0.0016 | 0.01 |
| Hazard Index | 0.5 | 1 |
The table marks no violation and labels the limit column as the 2029 MCL, the date the EPA's PFAS limits take effect for utilities. To convert, 0.004 µg/L equals 4 parts per trillion. The county's report points to the PFAS section of its Water Services website for the full list of compounds tested.
How to choose a filter
- Certification: NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 with a specific PFOA and PFOS reduction claim on the exact model.
- Technology: reverse osmosis and certain carbon block filters are the common types carrying those claims.
- Upkeep: performance depends on changing cartridges on schedule.
The EPA explains how to identify filters certified to reduce PFAS. Living Water does not claim its systems remove PFAS. If PFAS is your main reason for buying, check the listing of any model you are offered, ours included.
What a home test can and cannot do
PFAS testing requires a certified lab and special sample bottles. Jorge's free screening does not measure PFAS, but it does measure chloramine, TDS and hardness, which affect any drinking water system. See screening vs. lab analysis.
Keep it in perspective
The county's table lists these limits under a 2029 MCL column, and next year's report will show the trend. For questions about what a level means for your family, ask the county at 954-831-3250, and for health questions, your doctor. A certified drinking water filter is one option some households choose in the meantime.
Talk to Jorge
He can walk through certified drinking water options for your kitchen. Call, text or WhatsApp (305) 793-5974. See also the best drinking water system for a Lauderdale Lakes home.
https://www.broward.org/waterservices/WaterQualityReport
https://www.epa.gov/dwucmr/fifth-unregulated-contaminant-monitoring-rule
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