PFAS test results
Highest average at any one sampling point, from EPA's UCMR 5 testing (2023–2024), against the levels EPA set in 2024. ND = not detected above EPA's reporting level. EPA's comparison rounds like this: an average of 4.05 ppt or more counts as above the 4 ppt PFOA/PFOS limit, and 15 ppt or more counts as above the 10 ppt level for PFHxS, PFNA and GenX.
Hazard index (PFHxS, PFNA, GenX, PFBS mix): 0.00 (limit 1, EPA comparison threshold 1.5).
All 6 detected compounds at this system (single highest result)
| Compound | Highest result | Results above reporting level |
|---|---|---|
| PFOS | 13 ppt | 2 of 2 |
| PFBA | 8.6 ppt | 2 of 2 |
| PFOA | 6.3 ppt | 2 of 2 |
| PFPeA | 4 ppt | 2 of 2 |
| PFBS | 3.9 ppt | 2 of 2 |
| PFHxA | 3 ppt | 2 of 2 |
Read this as a screening result, not a compliance finding. UCMR 5 samples are occurrence data. Legal compliance is judged on a running annual average from the utility's own monitoring, reported to the state. PFOA and PFOS at 4 ppt are in force; EPA has proposed to rescind the PFHxS, PFNA, GenX and hazard-index levels.
Violations and lead
No health-based violations began since 2021-10-26 in the EPA file for this system.
Lead 90th percentile: 0.0 ppb for the period ending 2025-12-31 (action level 15 ppb). This is a system-wide statistic, not your home's tap; lead usually comes from household plumbing and service lines.
What helps, and what does not
For PFAS, a point-of-use reverse-osmosis unit or a carbon filter certified to NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 for PFAS reduction is the realistic home step, with a lab test first. Be aware that many certified claims on file are reduction to under 20 ppt combined PFAS, above the 4 ppt federal limit (the 2025 revision of NSF/ANSI 53 aligns with 4 ppt), so check which one a product's data sheet reflects. Water softeners and iron filters do not remove PFAS. Read the whole-house PFAS answer.
Common questions
Is the tap water in Suburban Water Systems-Whittier safe to drink?
At least one sampling point at Suburban Water Systems-Whittier averaged above the 4 ppt federal limit: PFOA up to 6.3 ppt and PFOS up to 13 ppt. No health-based violations recorded since 2021-10-26. Lead 90th percentile 0.0 ppb in the sampling period ending 2025-12-31 (action level 15 ppb). This is a summary of public EPA data, not a guarantee about the water at your tap.
Does Suburban Water Systems-Whittier have PFAS in its water?
Yes. EPA's 2023–2025 testing detected 6 of 29 PFAS compounds at Suburban Water Systems-Whittier.
Not medical or legal advice. Results describe the utility's system, not your tap. Compare with your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report.
Sources and freshness
Public-water-system facts, violations and lead/copper results: EPA ECHO SDWA download (SDWIS snapshot 2026-10-13). PFAS and lithium results: EPA UCMR 5 final data (sampling 2023–2025). Both are U.S. government works, downloaded 2026-10-26. Numbers are computed by the published method; the same fields are in the open data files.