PFAS concern carried
Bethel, CT · PFAS · forever chemicals

Is There PFAS in Bethel Tap Water?

Bethel, CT: PFOA 5.9 ng/L, 1.5× EPA's 4 ng/L limit. Every PFAS result and filter certifications per compound.

The measurements · EPA UCMR 5

3 of 29 PFAS detected

Each result is read against its own reference. Only PFOA has a federal limit. PFPeA has no federal or state limit and is shown for transparency, not graded.

  • PFOAFederal MCL
    Perfluorooctanoic acid
    5.9ng/L
    04 ng/L federal MCL (2024)
    Above its limit · sampled 2024-03-05 to 2024-09-10Evidence
  • PFBSEPA health advisory
    Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid
    3.9ng/L
    02,000 ng/L EPA health advisory (screening, not a legal limit)
    Detected, below its EPA health advisory · sampled 2024-03-05 to 2024-09-10Evidence
  • PFPeANo limit
    Perfluoropentanoic acid
    3ng/L

    No federal or state limit: shown for transparency, not graded.

    Detected, no limit · sampled 2024-03-05 to 2024-09-10Evidence
All 29 compounds in this record
  • PFOAMCL
    5.9 ng/L
  • PFOSMCL
    Not detected
  • PFHxSMCL
    Not detected
  • PFNAMCL
    Not detected
  • HFPO-DA (GenX)MCL
    Not detected
  • PFBS
    3.9 ng/L
  • PFPeA
    3 ng/L
  • 11Cl-PF3OUdS
    Not detected
  • 4:2 FTS
    Not detected
  • 6:2 FTS
    Not detected
  • 8:2 FTS
    Not detected
  • 9Cl-PF3ONS
    Not detected
  • ADONA
    Not detected
  • NEtFOSAA
    Not detected
  • NFDHA
    Not detected
  • NMeFOSAA
    Not detected
  • PFBA
    Not detected
  • PFDA
    Not detected
  • PFDoA
    Not detected
  • PFEESA
    Not detected
  • PFHpA
    Not detected
  • PFHpS
    Not detected
  • PFHxA
    Not detected
  • PFMBA
    Not detected
  • PFMPA
    Not detected
  • PFPeS
    Not detected
  • PFTA
    Not detected
  • PFTrDA
    Not detected
  • PFUnA
    Not detected

MCL marks the 5 PFAS given a federal limit in EPA's 2024 rule. EPA has proposed rescinding three of those limits; they apply until a final rule.

Results as a table29 results with limit, status, sample date and source
PFAS results for BETHEL WATER DEPT (PWSID CT0090011), Bethel, CT
ContaminantResultLimitStatusSampledSource
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)5.9 ng/L4.0 ng/L federal MCL (2024)Above a historical reference; current applicability unverified2024-03-05 to 2024-09-10UCMR5 Analytical Results: BETHEL WATER DEPT (CT0090011)
Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS)3.9 ng/L2,000 ng/L EPA health advisory (screening, not a legal limit)Screening level, not a legal limitWithin the referenced health-based guidance value2024-03-05 to 2024-09-10UCMR5 Analytical Results: BETHEL WATER DEPT (CT0090011)
Perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA)3 ng/LNo federal or state limit; shown for transparencyDetected, no limit2024-03-05 to 2024-09-10UCMR5 Analytical Results: BETHEL WATER DEPT (CT0090011)
11-Chloroeicosafluoro-3-oxaundecane-1-sulfonic acid (11Cl-PF3OUdS)< 5 ng/LNo federal or state limit; shown for transparencyNot detected above the reporting limit2024-03-05 to 2024-09-10UCMR5 Analytical Results: BETHEL WATER DEPT (CT0090011)
1H, 1H, 2H, 2H-perfluorodecane sulfonic acid (8:2 FTS)< 5 ng/LNo federal or state limit; shown for transparencyNot detected above the reporting limit2024-03-05 to 2024-09-10UCMR5 Analytical Results: BETHEL WATER DEPT (CT0090011)
1H, 1H, 2H, 2H-perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (4:2 FTS)< 3 ng/LNo federal or state limit; shown for transparencyNot detected above the reporting limit2024-03-05 to 2024-09-10UCMR5 Analytical Results: BETHEL WATER DEPT (CT0090011)
1H, 1H, 2H, 2H-perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (6:2 FTS)< 5 ng/LNo federal or state limit; shown for transparencyNot detected above the reporting limit2024-03-05 to 2024-09-10UCMR5 Analytical Results: BETHEL WATER DEPT (CT0090011)
4,8-Dioxa-3H-perfluorononanoic acid (ADONA)< 3 ng/LNo federal or state limit; shown for transparencyNot detected above the reporting limit2024-03-05 to 2024-09-10UCMR5 Analytical Results: BETHEL WATER DEPT (CT0090011)
9-Chlorohexadecafluoro-3-oxanone-1-sulfonic acid (9Cl-PF3ONS)< 2 ng/LNo federal or state limit; shown for transparencyNot detected above the reporting limit2024-03-05 to 2024-09-10UCMR5 Analytical Results: BETHEL WATER DEPT (CT0090011)
Hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA) (GenX chemicals)< 5 ng/L10 ng/L federal MCL (2024)Not detected above the reporting limit2024-03-05 to 2024-09-10UCMR5 Analytical Results: BETHEL WATER DEPT (CT0090011)
N-ethyl perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid (NEtFOSAA)< 5 ng/LNo federal or state limit; shown for transparencyNot detected above the reporting limit2024-03-05 to 2024-09-10UCMR5 Analytical Results: BETHEL WATER DEPT (CT0090011)
N-methyl perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid (NMeFOSAA)< 6 ng/LNo federal or state limit; shown for transparencyNot detected above the reporting limit2024-03-05 to 2024-09-10UCMR5 Analytical Results: BETHEL WATER DEPT (CT0090011)
Nonafluoro-3,6-dioxaheptanoic acid (NFDHA)< 20 ng/LNo federal or state limit; shown for transparencyNot detected above the reporting limit2024-03-05 to 2024-09-10UCMR5 Analytical Results: BETHEL WATER DEPT (CT0090011)
Perfluoro (2-ethoxyethane) sulfonic acid (PFEESA)< 3 ng/LNo federal or state limit; shown for transparencyNot detected above the reporting limit2024-03-05 to 2024-09-10UCMR5 Analytical Results: BETHEL WATER DEPT (CT0090011)
Perfluoro-3-methoxypropanoic acid (PFMPA)< 4 ng/LNo federal or state limit; shown for transparencyNot detected above the reporting limit2024-03-05 to 2024-09-10UCMR5 Analytical Results: BETHEL WATER DEPT (CT0090011)
Perfluoro-4-methoxybutanoic acid (PFMBA)< 3 ng/LNo federal or state limit; shown for transparencyNot detected above the reporting limit2024-03-05 to 2024-09-10UCMR5 Analytical Results: BETHEL WATER DEPT (CT0090011)
Perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA)< 5 ng/LNo federal or state limit; shown for transparencyNot detected above the reporting limit2024-03-05 to 2024-09-10UCMR5 Analytical Results: BETHEL WATER DEPT (CT0090011)
Perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA)< 3 ng/LNo federal or state limit; shown for transparencyNot detected above the reporting limit2024-03-05 to 2024-09-10UCMR5 Analytical Results: BETHEL WATER DEPT (CT0090011)
Perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoA)< 3 ng/LNo federal or state limit; shown for transparencyNot detected above the reporting limit2024-03-05 to 2024-09-10UCMR5 Analytical Results: BETHEL WATER DEPT (CT0090011)
Perfluoroheptanesulfonic acid (PFHpS)< 3 ng/LNo federal or state limit; shown for transparencyNot detected above the reporting limit2024-03-05 to 2024-09-10UCMR5 Analytical Results: BETHEL WATER DEPT (CT0090011)
Perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA)< 3 ng/LNo federal or state limit; shown for transparencyNot detected above the reporting limit2024-03-05 to 2024-09-10UCMR5 Analytical Results: BETHEL WATER DEPT (CT0090011)
Perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS)< 3 ng/L10 ng/L federal MCL (2024)Not detected above the reporting limit2024-03-05 to 2024-09-10UCMR5 Analytical Results: BETHEL WATER DEPT (CT0090011)
Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA)< 3 ng/L400,000 ng/L Michigan EGLE state MCL (strictest US state)Not detected above the reporting limit2024-03-05 to 2024-09-10UCMR5 Analytical Results: BETHEL WATER DEPT (CT0090011)
Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA)< 4 ng/L10 ng/L federal MCL (2024)Not detected above the reporting limit2024-03-05 to 2024-09-10UCMR5 Analytical Results: BETHEL WATER DEPT (CT0090011)
Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS)< 4 ng/L4.0 ng/L federal MCL (2024)Not detected above the reporting limit2024-03-05 to 2024-09-10UCMR5 Analytical Results: BETHEL WATER DEPT (CT0090011)
Perfluoropentanesulfonic acid (PFPeS)< 4 ng/LNo federal or state limit; shown for transparencyNot detected above the reporting limit2024-03-05 to 2024-09-10UCMR5 Analytical Results: BETHEL WATER DEPT (CT0090011)
Perfluorotetradecanoic acid (PFTA)< 8 ng/LNo federal or state limit; shown for transparencyNot detected above the reporting limit2024-03-05 to 2024-09-10UCMR5 Analytical Results: BETHEL WATER DEPT (CT0090011)
Perfluorotridecanoic acid (PFTrDA)< 7 ng/LNo federal or state limit; shown for transparencyNot detected above the reporting limit2024-03-05 to 2024-09-10UCMR5 Analytical Results: BETHEL WATER DEPT (CT0090011)
Perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnA)< 2 ng/LNo federal or state limit; shown for transparencyNot detected above the reporting limit2024-03-05 to 2024-09-10UCMR5 Analytical Results: BETHEL WATER DEPT (CT0090011)
How this compares

PFOS across 764 cities with a detected value

3,396 more were below the lab's 4 ng/L reporting limit and aren't plotted, and 34 have no result on record. 66 cities above 25 ng/L are grouped in the last bar. A position here is not a verdict on the water.

Where Bethel sitsNot on the stripBethel’s PFOS result was below the lab’s reporting limit.
In Connecticut
15of 26 city reports

have a regulated PFAS above the federal limit.

PFAS across Connecticut →
What this record covers
  • BETHEL WATER DEPT's water system as a whole, as reported to EPA UCMR 5.
  • 29 PFAS compounds, each with its own result.
  • Samples taken 2024-03-05 to 2024-09-10.
What is unknown
  • The water at your tap. Building plumbing isn't in this record.
  • PFAS not listed in the 29 above were not reported in these records.
  • Levels since the last sample have not been published.
How to test your tap water at home →
Treatment capabilities that apply

Test first, then match a certified method.

A tap test can confirm levels at your home before you choose treatment.

Identified concerns
  • PFOA · exceeds the limit
  • PFBS · detected below the limit
  • PFPeA · detected, no federal or state limit
9 products have a current certification naming a PFAS detected here.See PFAS filters, checked compound by compound ↓
Commercial · PFAS filters

Fit for Bethel’s PFAS, compound by compound

Each filter is checked against the 3 PFAS detected here. A ✓ needs a current certification record that names the compound. A PFAS claim on the box is not enough.

As an Amazon Associate, PurityMap earns from qualifying purchases. A product appears here only when a current certification record covers at least one identified concern; every concern stays listed. The retail offer is looked up afterwards and never changes which products appear or their order. Affiliate disclosure.

  • Certified for this compound
  • Claimed or likely, not established
  • No claim on record
Under-Sink Filter

Aquasana Claryum 2-Stage Under-Sink Filter (AQ-5200)

Activated Carbon (Claryum)
Detected in Bethel1 of 3 certified
  • PFOA5.9 ng/L✓Certified for this compound
  • PFBS3.9 ng/L–No claim on record
  • PFPeA3 ng/L–No claim on record
CertifiedNSF/ANSI 53 · PFOA, PFOS

Certified for PFOA; not established for PFBS, PFPeA.

Under-Sink Filter

Aquasana Claryum 3-Stage Max Flow Under-Sink Filter (AQ-6300M)

Activated Carbon (Claryum)
Detected in Bethel1 of 3 certified
  • PFOA5.9 ng/L✓Certified for this compound
  • PFBS3.9 ng/L–No claim on record
  • PFPeA3 ng/L–No claim on record
CertifiedNSF/ANSI 53 · PFOA, PFOSNSF/ANSI 42

Certified for PFOA; not established for PFBS, PFPeA.

Countertop System

Aquasana Clean Water Machine Countertop Filter (AQ-CWM2)

Activated Carbon (Claryum)
Detected in Bethel1 of 3 certified
  • PFOA5.9 ng/L✓Certified for this compound
  • PFBS3.9 ng/L–No claim on record
  • PFPeA3 ng/L–No claim on record
CertifiedNSF/ANSI 53 · PFOA, PFOSNSF/ANSI 42

Certified for PFOA; not established for PFBS, PFPeA.

Countertop System

Patriot Pure Ultimate Water Filtration System

Gravity pour-through (Nanomesh filter)
Detected in Bethel1 of 3 certified
  • PFOA5.9 ng/L✓Certified for this compound
  • PFBS3.9 ng/L–No claim on record
  • PFPeA3 ng/L–No claim on record
CertifiedNSF/ANSI 53 · PFOA, PFOS

Certified for PFOA; not established for PFBS, PFPeA.

Countertop System

AquaTru Carafe Countertop Reverse-Osmosis Purifier (AT100)

Reverse Osmosis
Detected in Bethel1 of 3 certified
  • PFOA5.9 ng/L✓Certified for this compound
  • PFBS3.9 ng/L–No claim on record
  • PFPeA3 ng/L–No claim on record
CertifiedNSF/ANSI 58NSF/ANSI 53 · PFOA, PFOSNSF/ANSI 42

Certified for PFOA; not established for PFBS, PFPeA.

Countertop System

AquaTru Classic Countertop Reverse-Osmosis Purifier (AT2000)

Reverse Osmosis
Detected in Bethel1 of 3 certified
  • PFOA5.9 ng/L✓Certified for this compound
  • PFBS3.9 ng/L–No claim on record
  • PFPeA3 ng/L–No claim on record
CertifiedNSF/ANSI 58NSF/ANSI 53 · PFOA, PFOSNSF/ANSI 42

Certified for PFOA; not established for PFBS, PFPeA.

Under-Sink Filter

Waterdrop G3P600 Tankless Reverse-Osmosis System

Reverse Osmosis
Detected in Bethel1 of 3 certified
  • PFOA5.9 ng/L✓Certified for this compound
  • PFBS3.9 ng/L–No claim on record
  • PFPeA3 ng/L–No claim on record
CertifiedNSF/ANSI 58NSF/ANSI 53 · PFOA, PFOSNSF/ANSI 42

Certified for PFOA; not established for PFBS, PFPeA.

Under-Sink Filter

Waterdrop G3P800 Tankless Reverse-Osmosis System

Reverse Osmosis
Detected in Bethel1 of 3 certified
  • PFOA5.9 ng/L✓Certified for this compound
  • PFBS3.9 ng/L–No claim on record
  • PFPeA3 ng/L–No claim on record
CertifiedNSF/ANSI 53 · PFOA, PFOSNSF/ANSI 58NSF/ANSI 42

Certified for PFOA; not established for PFBS, PFPeA.

Refrigerator Filter

Whirlpool Filter 3 Refrigerator Water Filter (WHR3RXD1)

Activated Carbon
Detected in Bethel1 of 3 certified
  • PFOA5.9 ng/L✓Certified for this compound
  • PFBS3.9 ng/L–No claim on record
  • PFPeA3 ng/L–No claim on record
CertifiedNSF/ANSI 53 · PFOA, PFOSNSF/ANSI 42NSF/ANSI 401

Certified for PFOA; not established for PFBS, PFPeA.

None of these is certified for all 3 compounds detected here. A tap test first tells you which ones reach your glass.
Questions

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Is there PFAS in Bethel tap water?

In EPA's UCMR 5 testing of BETHEL WATER DEPT (2024-03-05 to 2024-09-10): PFBS 3.9 ng/L (EPA health advisory 2,000), PFOA 5.9 ng/L (limit 4), PFPeA 3 ng/L (no federal or state limit) and the other 26 PFAS tested not detected. "Not detected" means below the lab's reporting limit, not proven zero.

What are the federal PFAS limits?

EPA's 2024 drinking-water rule set maximum contaminant levels of 4.0 ng/L for PFOA and for PFOS, and 10 ng/L for PFHxS, PFNA and HFPO-DA (GenX). In May 2026 EPA proposed keeping the PFOA and PFOS limits, with the option of until 2031 to comply, and rescinding the other three. Until a final rule, all five limits apply. Results above them today are above the limits in force.

How do I remove PFAS from my tap water?

Reverse-osmosis systems and filters certified to NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 for PFOA/PFOS reduction are the proven options at the tap. Check the certifier's listing (NSF, WQA or IAPMO) for the exact model, and replace cartridges on schedule.

Sources
  • UCMR5 Analytical ResultsUCMR5 Analytical Results: BETHEL WATER DEPT (CT0090011)US EPA · 2026-01-15View source ↗
  • State SDWIS Compliance RecordLead & Copper Rule 90th-percentile: BETHEL WATER DEPT (CT0090011)US EPA SDWIS · 2026-07-09View source ↗