What PFAS are
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are a family of thousands of synthetic chemicals that resist heat, grease and water. They have been used in non-stick coatings, stain-resistant fabrics, food packaging and some firefighting foams. They break down extremely slowly, which is why they are found in water supplies across the country and why federal limits for several of them were set in 2024.
Where Opa-locka residents can see results
- Opa-locka's report covers what the city measures in its own distribution system, such as disinfection byproducts and lead and copper at the tap. For treatment-plant results, it points to WASD's report.
- WASD's 2024 Water Quality Report includes an "Additional Contaminants Monitoring" table listing PFOS, PFOA, PFNA, PFHxS and a PFAS hazard index for its main system. WASD explains that these results are part of monitoring for new regulations, that the three-year initial monitoring period concludes in 2027, and that systems then have time to implement measures to address exceedances.
- WASD's 2025 report was released in April 2026; check it for the latest figures.
Read the table and footnotes yourself; units are parts per trillion and the context matters.
Picking a certified filter
| Type | Certification to look for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Under-sink reverse osmosis | NSF/ANSI 58 with a PFOA/PFOS claim | Kitchen drinking and cooking water |
| Under-sink carbon block | NSF/ANSI 53 with a PFOA/PFOS claim | Change cartridges on schedule |
| Pitcher | NSF/ANSI 53 PFOA/PFOS claim, if any | Small volumes; frequent changes |
Always look up the exact model in the certifier's online listing. A filter beyond its rated capacity no longer meets its claim.
What Living Water does and does not claim
Living Water does not claim that its systems remove PFAS. If PFAS reduction is your goal, the claim you need is a certified PFOA/PFOS listing on the specific model you buy, and Jorge will point you to checking exactly that. The free visit still helps you read the WASD and city reports, test what the in-home screening covers, and weigh drinking-water options for your kitchen.
Testing your own tap
PFAS cannot be measured with an in-home screening kit. A certified laboratory with PFAS methods is required, and sampling must follow the lab's instructions carefully. For most households on city water, WASD's published monitoring is the starting point. A private well is a separate case, since its water gets no utility treatment.
Book
Call, text or WhatsApp (305) 793-5974. Have the WASD and Opa-locka reports handy and Jorge will walk through them with you.
https://www.miamidade.gov/water/library/reports/water-quality-2024.pdf
https://www.opalockafl.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5199/2024-Water-Quality-Report
https://www.opalockafl.gov/164/Water-Supply
https://www.miamidade.gov/global/release.page?Mduid_release=rel1775655687857481
Updated 2026-10-17 · Living Waters · Jorge Canela, Water Quality Specialist