PFAS Water Filter in Tamarac

What PFAS are

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) have been used in non-stick cookware, water-repellent clothing, stain-resistant fabrics and carpets, some firefighting foams and grease-resistant packaging. The Tamarac reports note that PFAS are found in water, air, fish and soil across the United States. EPA explains its drinking water rules for PFAS on its PFAS pages.

Where to find Tamarac's results

• West Tamarac report: an unregulated contaminants table listing six PFAS compounds detected in city sampling from January to July 2024, including PFOA and PFOS, in parts per billion.
• East Tamarac report: a table from City of Fort Lauderdale monitoring in 2023, listing compounds such as PFBS, PFHxA, PFOA and PFOS.

Both reports are on the city's Water Report page. EPA also publishes UCMR 5 data by water system. Results are often in tiny fractions of a part per billion, so read the units carefully and compare with EPA's current rules.

Choosing a PFAS filter

• Look for NSF/ANSI 53 (filters) or NSF/ANSI 58 (reverse osmosis) certification that specifically lists PFOA and PFOS reduction.
• Match the exact model number on the certifier's listing.
• Change cartridges on schedule; claims apply only within rated capacity.

Living Water does not claim its systems remove PFAS. Jorge will tell you to check any model's certification before buying, including anything he shows you.

Testing for PFAS at home

PFAS testing requires a certified lab using EPA methods. Jorge's free in-home screening covers chloramine, hardness, TDS, pH and iron, not PFAS. See home screening vs. lab analysis.

Private wells

If your Tamarac property uses a private well for drinking water, no city data covers it. A certified lab is the only way to know whether PFAS are present.

Reading the tables

The tables list each compound, the sampling dates, the average level detected and the range. EPA has set enforceable limits for several PFAS that take effect in coming years; the tables themselves note that unregulated contaminants had no health standard at the time of monitoring. If something is unclear, call the number on the report.

Questions about the city's data

For the West report, the city lists its senior chemist at (954) 597-3792. For general questions about UCMR, EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline is (800) 426-4791. Jorge is happy to walk through the tables with you in plain words: call, text or WhatsApp (305) 793-5974.

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