Durham, NC · PFAS · forever chemicals
Is There PFAS in Durham Tap Water?
Durham, NC: PFOS 5.8 ng/L, 1.4× EPA's 4 ng/L limit; PFOA also above. Every PFAS result and filter certifications per compound.
The measurements · EPA UCMR 5
4 of 29 PFAS detected
Each result is read against its own reference. Only PFOA and PFOS have federal limits. PFBA has no federal or state limit and is shown for transparency, not graded.
- PFOSFederal MCLPerfluorooctanesulfonic acid5.8ng/LAbove its limit · sampled 2023-02-20 to 2023-11-14Evidence
- PFOAFederal MCLPerfluorooctanoic acid4.1ng/LAbove its limit · sampled 2023-02-20 to 2023-11-14Evidence
- PFBSEPA health advisoryPerfluorobutanesulfonic acid6.5ng/LDetected, below its EPA health advisory · sampled 2023-02-20 to 2023-11-14Evidence
- PFBANo limitPerfluorobutanoic acid5.2ng/L
No federal or state limit: shown for transparency, not graded.
Detected, no limit · sampled 2023-02-20 to 2023-11-14Evidence
All 29 compounds in this record
- PFOAMCL4.1 ng/L
- PFOSMCL5.8 ng/L
- PFHxSMCLNot detected
- PFNAMCLNot detected
- HFPO-DA (GenX)MCLNot detected
- PFBS6.5 ng/L
- PFBA5.2 ng/L
- 11Cl-PF3OUdSNot detected
- 4:2 FTSNot detected
- 6:2 FTSNot detected
- 8:2 FTSNot detected
- 9Cl-PF3ONSNot detected
- ADONANot detected
- NEtFOSAANot detected
- NFDHANot detected
- NMeFOSAANot detected
- PFDANot detected
- PFDoANot detected
- PFEESANot detected
- PFHpANot detected
- PFHpSNot detected
- PFHxANot detected
- PFMBANot detected
- PFMPANot detected
- PFPeANot detected
- PFPeSNot detected
- PFTANot detected
- PFTrDANot detected
- PFUnANot 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
| Contaminant | Result | Limit | Status | Sampled | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) | 5.8 ng/L | 4.0 ng/L federal MCL (2024) | Above a historical reference; current applicability unverified | 2023-02-20 to 2023-11-14 | UCMR5 Analytical Results: DURHAM, CITY OF (NC0332010) |
| Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) | 4.1 ng/L | 4.0 ng/L federal MCL (2024) | Above a historical reference; current applicability unverified | 2023-02-20 to 2023-11-14 | UCMR5 Analytical Results: DURHAM, CITY OF (NC0332010) |
| Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS) | 6.5 ng/L | 2,000 ng/L EPA health advisory (screening, not a legal limit)Screening level, not a legal limit | Within the referenced health-based guidance value | 2023-02-20 to 2023-11-14 | UCMR5 Analytical Results: DURHAM, CITY OF (NC0332010) |
| Perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) | 5.2 ng/L | No federal or state limit; shown for transparency | Detected, no limit | 2023-02-20 to 2023-11-14 | UCMR5 Analytical Results: DURHAM, CITY OF (NC0332010) |
| 11-Chloroeicosafluoro-3-oxaundecane-1-sulfonic acid (11Cl-PF3OUdS) | < 5 ng/L | No federal or state limit; shown for transparency | Not detected above the reporting limit | 2023-02-20 to 2023-11-14 | UCMR5 Analytical Results: DURHAM, CITY OF (NC0332010) |
| 1H, 1H, 2H, 2H-perfluorodecane sulfonic acid (8:2 FTS) | < 5 ng/L | No federal or state limit; shown for transparency | Not detected above the reporting limit | 2023-02-20 to 2023-11-14 | UCMR5 Analytical Results: DURHAM, CITY OF (NC0332010) |
| 1H, 1H, 2H, 2H-perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (4:2 FTS) | < 3 ng/L | No federal or state limit; shown for transparency | Not detected above the reporting limit | 2023-02-20 to 2023-11-14 | UCMR5 Analytical Results: DURHAM, CITY OF (NC0332010) |
| 1H, 1H, 2H, 2H-perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (6:2 FTS) | < 5 ng/L | No federal or state limit; shown for transparency | Not detected above the reporting limit | 2023-02-20 to 2023-11-14 | UCMR5 Analytical Results: DURHAM, CITY OF (NC0332010) |
| 4,8-Dioxa-3H-perfluorononanoic acid (ADONA) | < 3 ng/L | No federal or state limit; shown for transparency | Not detected above the reporting limit | 2023-02-20 to 2023-11-14 | UCMR5 Analytical Results: DURHAM, CITY OF (NC0332010) |
| 9-Chlorohexadecafluoro-3-oxanone-1-sulfonic acid (9Cl-PF3ONS) | < 2 ng/L | No federal or state limit; shown for transparency | Not detected above the reporting limit | 2023-02-20 to 2023-11-14 | UCMR5 Analytical Results: DURHAM, CITY OF (NC0332010) |
| Hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA) (GenX chemicals) | < 5 ng/L | 10 ng/L federal MCL (2024) | Not detected above the reporting limit | 2023-02-20 to 2023-11-14 | UCMR5 Analytical Results: DURHAM, CITY OF (NC0332010) |
| N-ethyl perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid (NEtFOSAA) | < 5 ng/L | No federal or state limit; shown for transparency | Not detected above the reporting limit | 2023-02-20 to 2023-11-14 | UCMR5 Analytical Results: DURHAM, CITY OF (NC0332010) |
| N-methyl perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid (NMeFOSAA) | < 6 ng/L | No federal or state limit; shown for transparency | Not detected above the reporting limit | 2023-02-20 to 2023-11-14 | UCMR5 Analytical Results: DURHAM, CITY OF (NC0332010) |
| Nonafluoro-3,6-dioxaheptanoic acid (NFDHA) | < 20 ng/L | No federal or state limit; shown for transparency | Not detected above the reporting limit | 2023-02-20 to 2023-11-14 | UCMR5 Analytical Results: DURHAM, CITY OF (NC0332010) |
| Perfluoro (2-ethoxyethane) sulfonic acid (PFEESA) | < 3 ng/L | No federal or state limit; shown for transparency | Not detected above the reporting limit | 2023-02-20 to 2023-11-14 | UCMR5 Analytical Results: DURHAM, CITY OF (NC0332010) |
| Perfluoro-3-methoxypropanoic acid (PFMPA) | < 4 ng/L | No federal or state limit; shown for transparency | Not detected above the reporting limit | 2023-02-20 to 2023-11-14 | UCMR5 Analytical Results: DURHAM, CITY OF (NC0332010) |
| Perfluoro-4-methoxybutanoic acid (PFMBA) | < 3 ng/L | No federal or state limit; shown for transparency | Not detected above the reporting limit | 2023-02-20 to 2023-11-14 | UCMR5 Analytical Results: DURHAM, CITY OF (NC0332010) |
| Perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) | < 3 ng/L | No federal or state limit; shown for transparency | Not detected above the reporting limit | 2023-02-20 to 2023-11-14 | UCMR5 Analytical Results: DURHAM, CITY OF (NC0332010) |
| Perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoA) | < 3 ng/L | No federal or state limit; shown for transparency | Not detected above the reporting limit | 2023-02-20 to 2023-11-14 | UCMR5 Analytical Results: DURHAM, CITY OF (NC0332010) |
| Perfluoroheptanesulfonic acid (PFHpS) | < 3 ng/L | No federal or state limit; shown for transparency | Not detected above the reporting limit | 2023-02-20 to 2023-11-14 | UCMR5 Analytical Results: DURHAM, CITY OF (NC0332010) |
| Perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA) | < 3 ng/L | No federal or state limit; shown for transparency | Not detected above the reporting limit | 2023-02-20 to 2023-11-14 | UCMR5 Analytical Results: DURHAM, CITY OF (NC0332010) |
| Perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS) | < 3 ng/L | 10 ng/L federal MCL (2024) | Not detected above the reporting limit | 2023-02-20 to 2023-11-14 | UCMR5 Analytical Results: DURHAM, CITY OF (NC0332010) |
| Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) | < 3 ng/L | 400,000 ng/L Michigan EGLE state MCL (strictest US state) | Not detected above the reporting limit | 2023-02-20 to 2023-11-14 | UCMR5 Analytical Results: DURHAM, CITY OF (NC0332010) |
| Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) | < 4 ng/L | 10 ng/L federal MCL (2024) | Not detected above the reporting limit | 2023-02-20 to 2023-11-14 | UCMR5 Analytical Results: DURHAM, CITY OF (NC0332010) |
| Perfluoropentanesulfonic acid (PFPeS) | < 4 ng/L | No federal or state limit; shown for transparency | Not detected above the reporting limit | 2023-02-20 to 2023-11-14 | UCMR5 Analytical Results: DURHAM, CITY OF (NC0332010) |
| Perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA) | < 3 ng/L | No federal or state limit; shown for transparency | Not detected above the reporting limit | 2023-02-20 to 2023-11-14 | UCMR5 Analytical Results: DURHAM, CITY OF (NC0332010) |
| Perfluorotetradecanoic acid (PFTA) | < 8 ng/L | No federal or state limit; shown for transparency | Not detected above the reporting limit | 2023-02-20 to 2023-11-14 | UCMR5 Analytical Results: DURHAM, CITY OF (NC0332010) |
| Perfluorotridecanoic acid (PFTrDA) | < 7 ng/L | No federal or state limit; shown for transparency | Not detected above the reporting limit | 2023-02-20 to 2023-11-14 | UCMR5 Analytical Results: DURHAM, CITY OF (NC0332010) |
| Perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnA) | < 2 ng/L | No federal or state limit; shown for transparency | Not detected above the reporting limit | 2023-02-20 to 2023-11-14 | UCMR5 Analytical Results: DURHAM, CITY OF (NC0332010) |
How this compares
PFOS across 681 cities with a detected value
Durham 5.84 ng/L federal MCL (2024)
3,077 more were below the lab's 4 ng/L reporting limit and aren't plotted, and 34 have no result on record. 63 cities above 25 ng/L are grouped in the last bar. A position here is not a verdict on the water.
Where Durham sits5.8 ng/L PFOSLower than 63% of 681 cities with a detected value.
In North Carolina
58of 127 city reports
have a regulated PFAS above the federal limit.
PFAS across North Carolina →What this record covers
- DURHAM, CITY OF's water system as a whole, as reported to EPA UCMR 5.
- 29 PFAS compounds, each with its own result.
- Samples taken 2023-02-20 to 2023-11-14.
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.
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
- PFOS · exceeds the limit
- PFBS · detected below the limit
- PFBA · detected, no federal or state limit
- Reverse osmosisOpen the method →
- Activated carbon (GAC)Open the method →
- Anion exchangeOpen the method →
6 products have a current certification naming a PFAS detected here.See PFAS filters, checked compound by compound ↓
Commercial · PFAS filters
Fit for Durham’s PFAS, compound by compound
Each filter is checked against the 4 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 3-Stage Max Flow Under-Sink Filter (AQ-6300M)
Activated Carbon (Claryum)Detected in Durham2 of 4 certified
- PFOA4.1 ng/L✓Certified for this compound
- PFOS5.8 ng/L✓Certified for this compound
- PFBS6.5 ng/L–No claim on record
- PFBA5.2 ng/L–No claim on record
CertifiedNSF/ANSI 53 · PFOA, PFOSNSF/ANSI 42
Certified for PFOA, PFOS; not established for PFBS, PFBA.
Countertop System
Aquasana Clean Water Machine Countertop Filter (AQ-CWM2)
Activated Carbon (Claryum)Detected in Durham2 of 4 certified
- PFOA4.1 ng/L✓Certified for this compound
- PFOS5.8 ng/L✓Certified for this compound
- PFBS6.5 ng/L–No claim on record
- PFBA5.2 ng/L–No claim on record
CertifiedNSF/ANSI 53 · PFOA, PFOSNSF/ANSI 42
Certified for PFOA, PFOS; not established for PFBS, PFBA.
Countertop System
AquaTru Classic Countertop Reverse-Osmosis Purifier (AT2000)
Reverse OsmosisDetected in Durham2 of 4 certified
- PFOA4.1 ng/L✓Certified for this compound
- PFOS5.8 ng/L✓Certified for this compound
- PFBS6.5 ng/L–No claim on record
- PFBA5.2 ng/L–No claim on record
CertifiedNSF/ANSI 58NSF/ANSI 53 · PFOA, PFOSNSF/ANSI 42
Certified for PFOA, PFOS; not established for PFBS, PFBA.
Under-Sink Filter
Under-Sink Reverse-Osmosis System
Reverse OsmosisDetected in Durham2 of 4 certified
- PFOA4.1 ng/L✓Certified for this compound
- PFOS5.8 ng/L✓Certified for this compound
- PFBS6.5 ng/L–No claim on record
- PFBA5.2 ng/L–No claim on record
CertifiedNSF/ANSI 53 · PFOA, PFOSNSF/ANSI 58NSF/ANSI 42
Certified for PFOA, PFOS; not established for PFBS, PFBA.
Under-Sink Filter
Waterdrop G3P600 Tankless Reverse-Osmosis System
Reverse OsmosisDetected in Durham2 of 4 certified
- PFOA4.1 ng/L✓Certified for this compound
- PFOS5.8 ng/L✓Certified for this compound
- PFBS6.5 ng/L–No claim on record
- PFBA5.2 ng/L–No claim on record
CertifiedNSF/ANSI 58NSF/ANSI 53 · PFOA, PFOSNSF/ANSI 42
Certified for PFOA, PFOS; not established for PFBS, PFBA.
Refrigerator Filter
Whirlpool Filter 3 Refrigerator Water Filter (WHR3RXD1)
Activated CarbonDetected in Durham2 of 4 certified
- PFOA4.1 ng/L✓Certified for this compound
- PFOS5.8 ng/L✓Certified for this compound
- PFBS6.5 ng/L–No claim on record
- PFBA5.2 ng/L–No claim on record
CertifiedNSF/ANSI 53 · PFOA, PFOSNSF/ANSI 42NSF/ANSI 401
Certified for PFOA, PFOS; not established for PFBS, PFBA.
- Browse, not a match:
- Brita Elite Water Filter Pitcher
- Clearly Filtered Pitcher (lab-tested, not NSF 53 certified)
- Culligan ZeroWater 10-Cup Pitcher (ZEROP10)
- Under-Sink Carbon Block Filter
None of these is certified for all 4 compounds detected here. A tap test first tells you which ones reach your glass.
Questions
Frequently asked
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Is there PFAS in Durham tap water?
In EPA's UCMR 5 testing of DURHAM, CITY OF (2023-02-20 to 2023-11-14): PFBA 5.2 ng/L (no federal or state limit), PFBS 6.5 ng/L (EPA health advisory 2,000), PFOA 4.1 ng/L (limit 4), PFOS 5.8 ng/L (limit 4) and the other 25 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.
- UCMR5 Analytical ResultsUCMR5 Analytical Results: DURHAM, CITY OF (NC0332010)US EPA · 2026-01-15View source ↗
- State SDWIS Compliance RecordLead & Copper Rule 90th-percentile: DURHAM, CITY OF (NC0332010)US EPA SDWIS · 2026-07-09View source ↗
- Consumer Confidence Report (CCR)City of Durham Water Management 2024 Consumer Confidence Report (CCR)City of Durham Water Management · 2024-01-01View source ↗