PFAS in brief
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are a large family of man-made chemicals used in non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, food packaging and some firefighting foams. They break down very slowly. NMB Water's 2025 report notes that EPA set a 2016 health advisory for PFOA and PFOS and finalized stricter limits of 4 parts per trillion for each in 2024, effective by 2031.
What NMB Water reports
- Additional Contaminants Monitoring: the 2025 report has a separate table for PFOS, PFOA, PFNA, PFHxS and a PFAS hazard index, described as contaminants for which standards were recently set and initial compliance monitoring is underway.
- Voluntary monitoring: 29 PFAS in 2025.
- UCMR: under EPA's Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule, NMB tested for lithium and PFAS analytes in 2025, and the report says all results were below minimum reporting levels.
- Treatment: NMB says its reverse osmosis and nanofiltration reduce PFAS and that it plans to remove the lime softening process by the EPA deadline.
Read the table yourself, including units, columns and footnotes, rather than relying on summaries. Questions go to NMB's Water Quality Manager at 305-948-2960.
Choosing a certified filter
| Type | Look for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Under-sink reverse osmosis | NSF/ANSI 58 with a PFOA/PFOS reduction claim | Kitchen drinking and cooking water |
| Under-sink carbon block | NSF/ANSI 53 with a PFOA/PFOS reduction claim | Kitchen; cartridge changes on schedule |
| Pitcher | NSF/ANSI 53 PFOA/PFOS claim, if any | Small volumes; frequent changes |
A filter past its rated capacity no longer meets its claim, so replacement timing matters as much as the purchase.
Where Living Water stands
Living Water does not claim that its systems remove PFAS. If PFAS reduction is your goal, the claim you need is a specific certified PFOA/PFOS listing on the model you buy, and Jorge will point you to checking exactly that. The free visit still helps: he explains your utility report, tests what the in-home screening covers, and talks through drinking-water options for your kitchen.
Testing for PFAS
PFAS cannot be measured with an in-home screening kit. It takes a specialized certified laboratory and careful sampling. For most North Miami Beach households, NMB's published monitoring is the practical starting point; a private lab test is an option if you want a reading from your own tap. A private well is a separate question, since its water gets none of the utility's treatment.
Book
Call, text or WhatsApp (305) 793-5974 and have NMB's latest report handy.
https://www.citynmb.com/DocumentCenter/View/14691/2025-CCR-ENGLISH-web-version
https://www.citynmb.com/905/Water-Quality-Reports
Updated 2026-10-17 · Living Waters · Jorge Canela, Water Quality Specialist