PFAS Water Filter in Westlake

What PFAS are

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are man-made chemicals used in nonstick cookware, waterproof clothing and stain-resistant furniture, among other products. They break down very slowly. The U.S. EPA explains its drinking water actions on PFAS on its website.

What SID's report shows

SID's report has a UCMR 5 table with results supplied by PBCWUD from samples in May and August 2025. Compounds listed include PFBS, PFHxA, PFHxS, PFOA, PFOS, PFPeA, PFBA and PFHpA. For example, it lists PFOA at a level detected of 0.0047 micrograms per liter (range not detected to 0.0090) and PFOS at 0.0092 micrograms per liter (range not detected to 0.02). SID notes these contaminants are currently unregulated under UCMR and that coordination with PBCWUD is ongoing to limit or eliminate them. Read the full table and footnotes in the report; questions about the results go to PBCWUD at (561) 493-6000, as the report lists.

What UCMR 5 is

The EPA's Fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule required public water systems to sample for 29 PFAS and lithium between 2023 and 2025. PBCWUD's own report says that across four plants and 120 samples, ten PFAS were detected at low levels and nineteen, plus lithium, were not detected. The program helps EPA decide on future regulation.

Because UCMR covers contaminants that were unregulated when sampling began, the table shows a minimum reporting level rather than a maximum contaminant level for each one.

Choosing a PFAS filter

• Look for NSF/ANSI 53 (filters) or NSF/ANSI 58 (reverse osmosis) certification for PFOA/PFOS reduction.
• Verify the exact model number in the certifier's listing.
• Replace cartridges on schedule; performance depends on it.

Living Water does not claim that its systems remove PFAS. If PFAS reduction is your goal, check any model's listing for that specific claim.

Reverse osmosis systems and certain carbon block filters are the product types most often certified for PFOA/PFOS reduction, but certification is by model, not technology. A filter not listed for PFAS should not be assumed to reduce it.

Private wells

A private well is not covered by SID's report. Standard bacteria and nitrate tests do not include PFAS; ask a certified lab about a PFAS analysis.

Follow the lab's sampling instructions closely; PFAS samples are easy to contaminate.

Talk it through

Jorge can walk you through SID's report and test for everyday issues like chloramine, hardness and TDS. He cannot test for PFAS at home; that needs a certified lab. Call, text or WhatsApp Jorge at (305) 793-5974.

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