PFAS Water Filter in Tequesta

What PFAS are

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are man-made chemicals used in firefighting foam, stain- and water-resistant materials and some industrial processes. They persist in the environment, which is why they are called forever chemicals. EPA's PFAS pages explain the federal rule and its timeline.

What Tequesta has published

• Water Quality page: August 2025 finished-water results of 3.5 ppt PFOA and 8.7 ppt PFOS.
• 2025 Water Quality Report (UCMR table): 2024 detections including PFOS 0.011 ug/L, PFOA 0.0078 ug/L, PFBS, PFHxA, PFPeA and 6:2 FTS. The report notes two sampling events and lists the highest result.
• Regulatory context: the Village explains that EPA requires initial monitoring by 2027 and MCL compliance by 2029, and that EPA has announced further rulemaking that could affect compliance dates.

The Village says it is continuing monitoring, evaluating operational and treatment options, coordinating with regulators and pursuing funding. Its calendar has listed a public meeting on a water facilities plan for treatment plant improvements to address emerging contaminants.

Units, explained

One microgram per liter (ug/L) equals 1,000 nanograms per liter (ng/L), and ng/L is the same as parts per trillion. So 0.011 ug/L is 11 ng/L. Comparing like with like matters when you read different documents.

The Village's Water Quality page uses ppt; the report's table uses ug/L.

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.
• Replace cartridges on schedule; performance depends on it.

We do not claim that Living Water's systems remove PFAS. Ask for the certification listing of any model, including ours.

Private wells and testing

The Village's data covers its public system, not private wells. A certified lab using EPA methods is the only way to know about PFAS in a well. Jorge's free screening covers chloramine, hardness, TDS, pH and iron, not PFAS; see screening vs. lab analysis.

Talk it through

Jorge can walk you through the Village's numbers and the certification listings for systems you are considering. Call, text or WhatsApp (305) 793-5974. Questions for the Village go to the water treatment plant at 561-768-0493.

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