Is Tap Water Safe in the US? PFAS Levels by State
45% of US tap water contains detectable PFAS. Here's what EPA and USGS data shows - by state and by water source.
Key facts
- 45% of US tap water contains detectable PFAS (USGS 2023)
- EPA set new PFAS limit of 4 parts per trillion in 2024
- Most contaminated: California, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York
- Least contaminated: Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, North Dakota
PFAS contamination by state
Based on USGS and EPA monitoring data. States are grouped by risk level based on number of contaminated water systems and average PFAS concentration.
| Risk level | States | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| 🔴 High | California, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, Illinois, Ohio, Massachusetts | NSF 53 or 58 filter required |
| 🟡 Medium | Texas, Florida, Georgia, Virginia, North Carolina, Washington, Colorado, Arizona | Check local utility report |
| 🟢 Lower | Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, North Dakota, South Dakota, Alaska, Hawaii | Still verify with local data |
City water vs well water
City water is treated and tested by utilities - results are published in annual Consumer Confidence Reports. Well water is untreated and untested by default. Well owners are responsible for their own testing.
🏙 City water risks
- PFAS from industrial discharge
- Lead from old pipes
- Chlorine & chloramines
- Disinfection byproducts
🏡 Well water risks
- PFAS from groundwater
- Bacteria & coliform
- Iron & manganese
- Nitrates from agriculture
How to check your specific water
Three ways to check PFAS and contaminant levels in your area:
1. EWG Tap Water Database
ewg.org/tapwater - enter your zip code to see detected contaminants from your utility’s latest testing report.
2. Annual Consumer Confidence Report
Your water utility is required to send you an annual water quality report. Check their website or call to request it.
3. Independent water test
For well water or if you want precise PFAS levels: use a certified lab like National Testing Laboratories (ntlabs.com). Cost: $150-300.
What to do if PFAS is detected
If your utility reports PFAS above the EPA limit of 4 ppt - or if you want protection regardless - an NSF 53 or NSF 58 certified filter is the most reliable solution available for home use.
SpringWell CF+ - Best whole house
NSF 53 - Removes PFAS from every tap - From $650
APEC ROES-50 - Best budget RO
NSF 58 - Under-sink RO - From $200