What PFAS are
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) resist water, grease and heat. They are found in cookware coatings, food packaging, outdoor gear, carpet treatments and some firefighting foams, and they break down very slowly. PFOA and PFOS are the two most studied.
What the city's reports show
The 2024 report explains that UCMR 5 required utilities to test for PFAS among other substances. Its unregulated contaminants table lists PFBA, PFHxA and PFPeA from February 2024 sampling. The report states that the contaminants in its tables are the only ones detected; PFOA and PFOS do not appear in that table.
The 2025 report, published in June 2026, focuses on 2025 sampling. Both are on the city's Water Quality Reports page, and the city's lab can be reached at 561-822-2269.
Monitoring requirements for PFAS are still being phased in nationally, so check each new report as it is published. The EPA's UCMR 5 pages explain the national program and how results are shared.
A lake source, not an aquifer
Palm Beach's water comes from Grassy Waters Preserve, Lake Mangonia and Clear Lake, then lime softening, carbon and sand filters, powdered activated carbon, UV and chloramine. Whether those steps affect specific PFAS is a question for the utility, not for a home installer to promise.
Treatment details can change over time, and any change would be described in the city's reports. A home system choice should be based on what those reports show and on certified performance, not on assumptions about the source.
Choosing a home filter
- NSF/ANSI 53 (filters) or NSF/ANSI 58 (RO) certification listing PFOA and PFOS reduction.
- The exact model number on the certifier's listing.
- Filter changes on the certified schedule.
Living Water does not claim its systems remove PFAS. Verify the certification of anything you consider, including anything Jorge offers.
Wells and labs
An irrigation or private well on the island is not covered by the city's monitoring. PFAS testing needs a certified laboratory.
What a home visit covers
Jorge's free test covers chloramine, hardness, dissolved solids and pH; it is not a PFAS test. See home screening vs. lab analysis. Call, text or WhatsApp (305) 793-5974.
https://www.wpb.org/files/assets/city/v/2/public-utilities/documents/water-quality-reports/2024-water-quality-remediated-report.pdf
https://www.wpb.org/files/assets/city/v/2/public-utilities/documents/water-quality-reports/2025westpalmbeach-webreport.pdf
https://www.wpb.org/Departments/Public-Utilities/Water-Quality-Reports
Updated 2026-10-17 · Living Waters · Jorge Canela, Water Quality Specialist