PFAS test results
Highest average at any one sampling point, from EPA's UCMR 5 testing (2024–2025), 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 8 detected compounds at this system (single highest result)
| Compound | Highest result | Results above reporting level |
|---|---|---|
| 6:2 FTS | 49 ppt | 1 of 20 |
| 8:2 FTS | 15.3 ppt | 1 of 20 |
| PFOA | 10.9 ppt | 2 of 20 |
| PFBA | 8.6 ppt | 6 of 20 |
| PFOS | 7.8 ppt | 10 of 20 |
| PFDA | 7.5 ppt | 1 of 20 |
| PFPeA | 4 ppt | 2 of 20 |
| PFHxA | 3.5 ppt | 2 of 20 |
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
39 health-based violations began since 2021-10-26 (0 limit exceedances, 39 treatment-technique; 0 still open). Most recent began 2026-04-01.
| Contaminant group | Violations |
|---|---|
| Surface-water treatment or groundwater rule | 39 |
Health-based means a limit exceedance or a missed treatment requirement. Many violations are fixed within weeks; a count says nothing about severity. Missed-sample (monitoring) violations are not counted.
No lead 90th-percentile result from 2021 or later is in the EPA file (latest on file ends 2016-12-31), so none is shown.
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 today's certified claim is reduction to under 20 ppt combined PFAS, above the 4 ppt federal limit, so certification does not prove a filter reaches the federal level. Water softeners and iron filters do not remove PFAS. Read the whole-house PFAS answer.
Common questions
Is the tap water in Metropolitano safe to drink?
At least one sampling point at Metropolitano averaged above the 4 ppt federal limit: PFOS up to 6.3 ppt. 39 health-based violations recorded since 2021-10-26 (0 not yet closed). No recent lead 90th-percentile result in the EPA file. This is a summary of public EPA data, not a guarantee about the water at your tap.
Does Metropolitano have PFAS in its water?
Yes. EPA's 2023–2025 testing detected 8 of 29 PFAS compounds at Metropolitano.
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.