Forever Chemicals

PFAS in drinking water: check the contamination map by address

PFAS— short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, often called “forever chemicals” — have been found in drinking water across the country. They're linked to health concerns, they don't break down naturally, and in 2024 the EPA set the first national, enforceable limitsfor several of them in public water. Here's what PFAS are, how to see whether they've been detected near an address, and what you can do about it.

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VetMyAddress shows PFAS detections for the serving water system plus the home's flood, Superfund, and air data — graded A–F in plain English.

What PFAS are (and why “forever chemicals”)

PFAS are a family of thousands of man-made chemicals used since the 1940s in non-stick cookware, water-repellent fabrics, firefighting foam, food packaging, and industrial processes. They're called “forever chemicals” because they don't break down in the environment or the body — so they accumulate over time. Two of the most studied, PFOA and PFOS, are the focus of the new federal limits.

The new EPA limits (2024)

In April 2024 the EPA finalized the first national drinking-water standards for PFAS. The rule set enforceable limits (MCLs) of 4 parts per trillion for PFOA and PFOS, 10 ppt each for PFHxS, PFNA, and HFPO-DA (GenX), plus a Hazard Index for certain mixtures — among the lowest contaminant limits the agency has ever set. Public water systems complete initial monitoring by 2027, with compliance actions phased in after. That means a lot of new testing data is becoming publicover the next few years — but it isn't all available yet, so a “no detection” today doesn't prove a system is PFAS-free.

How to check PFAS near an address

VetMyAddress— enter the address to see PFAS detections reported for the serving public water system (drawing on EPA UCMR5 and related monitoring), in plain English and alongside the home's other environmental data. Start here.
Browse by state — see statewide PFAS detail, top affected systems, and military bases (a common PFAS source) on our state pages: browse PFAS data by state →
EPA's own data (free, technical) — the UCMR5 monitoring results and ECHO database.

PFAS data by state

Each page below pulls EPA UCMR 5 detections, DoD military PFAS installations, and EPA TRI industrial sources for that state.

What to do if PFAS is detected near you

Don't panic over a single detection. Levels and which specific PFAS matter — a trace detection is different from one above the EPA limit. A non-detection in public data doesn't prove your water is PFAS-free, especially on a private well or an untested system.
Find your exact water system and read its latest Consumer Confidence Report (water systems must publish these annually).
Consider an at-home PFAS water test if you're on a private well or want to verify.
Filtration works: certified reverse-osmosis and some activated-carbon filters reduce PFAS. Look for filters certified to NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 for PFAS reduction.
Private well owners aren't covered by the EPA rule — testing is on you, and worth doing if you're near a known source.

Why screen PFAS with the rest of the picture

PFAS rarely travels alone. A water system with PFAS detections may also sit near a Superfund site or a military base, in a flood-prone area that spreads contamination. Checking water, PFAS, Superfund, flood, and air togetheris the fastest way to understand a home's real environmental profile before you commit.

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PFAS, drinking water, Superfund, flood zone, and air quality in one plain-English report.

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Frequently Asked Questions

▸How do I know if there's PFAS in my drinking water?

Check the water system that serves your address. VetMyAddress surfaces PFAS detections for the serving system in plain English; you can also read the system's annual Consumer Confidence Report or, for a private well, use an at-home PFAS test.

▸What are safe levels of PFAS in water?

In 2024 the EPA set enforceable limits of 4 parts per trillion for PFOA and PFOS and 10 ppt for PFHxS, PFNA, and GenX, plus a Hazard Index for mixtures. Public systems must monitor and reduce PFAS above these limits (initial monitoring by 2027). Lower is better, and which specific PFAS are present matters.

▸Does a water filter remove PFAS?

Certified reverse-osmosis systems and some activated-carbon filters reduce PFAS. Look for products certified to NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 specifically for PFAS reduction — not all filters qualify.

▸Are private wells covered by the EPA PFAS rule?

No. The federal limits apply to public water systems. If you're on a private well, testing and treatment are your responsibility, which is especially worth doing near a known PFAS source like a military base or industrial site.