PFAS Water Filter in West Palm Beach

What PFAS are

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a large family of chemicals that resist water, grease and heat. They have been used in cookware coatings, food packaging, outdoor gear, carpet treatments and some firefighting foams. They break down very slowly, which is why they are found widely in the environment. PFOA and PFOS are the two most studied.

Where to see West Palm Beach's results

The city's 2024 Water Quality Report explains that it participated in the fifth round of the EPA's Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 5), which required utilities to test for PFAS among other substances. Its unregulated contaminants table lists three PFAS detected in February 2024 sampling: PFBA, PFHxA and PFPeA.

The report also states that the contaminants listed in its tables are the only ones detected. PFOA and PFOS do not appear in that table. Read the report yourself on the city's Water Quality Reports page; the city's lab can be reached at (561) 822-2269 with questions.

The 2025 report, published in June 2026, focuses on 2025 sampling. Check each new report as it comes out, since monitoring requirements for PFAS are still being phased in nationally.

Surface water and the city's treatment

West Palm Beach's source is surface water from Grassy Waters Preserve, Lake Mangonia and Clear Lake, a different situation from the aquifer-based systems around it. The plant uses lime softening, filtration with carbon and sand filters, powdered activated carbon for taste and odor, UV and chloramine. Whether and how any of those steps affect specific PFAS is a question for the utility, not something a home installer should promise.

Choosing a home filter for PFAS

• Look for NSF/ANSI 53 (filters) or NSF/ANSI 58 (reverse osmosis) certification that lists PFOA and PFOS reduction.
• Verify the exact model number on the certifier's listing.
• Change filters on the schedule the certification assumes.

Living Water does not claim that its systems remove PFAS. If PFAS is your priority, verify the certification of any system you consider, including anything Jorge offers.

What a home visit can and cannot do

PFAS testing needs a certified laboratory. Jorge's free in-home test covers chloramine, hardness, dissolved solids and pH, which helps you understand the rest of your water while you research PFAS. See home screening vs. lab analysis. Call, text or WhatsApp (305) 793-5974 to book.

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