PFAS Water Filter in Loxahatchee Groves

What PFAS are

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are used in products like nonstick cookware, water-repellent fabrics and some firefighting foams. They break down very slowly. The U.S. EPA has a PFAS page explaining its drinking water actions, and it required utilities to sample for 29 PFAS under the Fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 5).

County water: what PBCWUD reported

PBCWUD's 2025 Water Quality Report says 29 PFAS compounds and lithium were analyzed across four treatment plants in 120 samples. Ten PFAS compounds were detected at low levels and nineteen, plus lithium, were not detected. The report's table lists PFOA at a level detected of 0.0047 micrograms per liter (range not detected to 0.0090) and PFOS at 0.0092 micrograms per liter (range not detected to 0.02). Read the full table and footnotes in the report rather than relying on a summary; it explains what each number represents.

Private wells: no report covers you

The Town's 2024 planning analysis says most homes here use domestic wells in the surficial aquifer. Standard well tests for bacteria and nitrate do not include PFAS. If PFAS is a concern for you, ask a certified laboratory about a PFAS analysis for drinking water and follow its sampling instructions carefully, since PFAS samples are easy to contaminate.

How to choose a PFAS filter

• Look for certification to NSF/ANSI 53 (filters) or NSF/ANSI 58 (reverse osmosis) specifically for PFOA/PFOS reduction.
• Check the exact model number in the certifier's listing. A brand being certified for one product does not cover the rest.
• Follow the filter replacement schedule; a spent filter does not perform as listed.

Living Water does not claim that its systems remove PFAS. If PFAS reduction is your goal, Jorge will tell you to verify any model's listing for that specific claim.

Reading the UCMR 5 table

UCMR results are reported for contaminants that were unregulated when sampling began, so the report lists a minimum reporting level rather than a maximum contaminant level for each one. That is why the table can look unfamiliar. If you have questions about a specific value, PBCWUD lists customer contact numbers in the report, and the EPA's UCMR 5 page explains the program in detail.

What Jorge can help with

He can explain your county water report, help you plan a well lab test, and test for everyday issues like iron, sulfur, hardness and chloramine. Call, text or WhatsApp (305) 793-5974. See also choosing a drinking water system.

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