Reading, PA · PFAS · forever chemicals
Is There PFAS in Reading Tap Water?
Reading, PA: PFOA 6.6 ng/L, 1.6× EPA's 4 ng/L limit. Every PFAS result and filter certifications per compound.
The measurements · EPA UCMR 5
5 of 29 PFAS detected
Each result is read against its own reference. Only PFOA has a federal limit. PFHpA and PFPeA have no federal or state limit and are shown for transparency, not graded.
- PFOAFederal MCLPerfluorooctanoic acid6.6ng/LAbove its limit · sampled 2024-01-08 to 2024-10-01Evidence
- PFBSEPA health advisoryPerfluorobutanesulfonic acid5.6ng/LDetected, below its EPA health advisory · sampled 2024-01-08 to 2024-10-01Evidence
- PFHxAState MCL · MichiganPerfluorohexanoic acid4.4ng/LDetected, below its state limit · sampled 2024-01-08 to 2024-10-01Evidence
- PFPeANo limitPerfluoropentanoic acid5.4ng/L
No federal or state limit: shown for transparency, not graded.
Detected, no limit · sampled 2024-01-08 to 2024-10-01Evidence - PFHpANo limitPerfluoroheptanoic acid3ng/L
No federal or state limit: shown for transparency, not graded.
Detected, no limit · sampled 2024-01-08 to 2024-10-01Evidence
All 29 compounds in this record
- PFOAMCL6.6 ng/L
- PFOSMCLNot detected
- PFHxSMCLNot detected
- PFNAMCLNot detected
- HFPO-DA (GenX)MCLNot detected
- PFBS5.6 ng/L
- PFHxA4.4 ng/L
- PFHpA3 ng/L
- PFPeA5.4 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
- PFBANot detected
- PFDANot detected
- PFDoANot detected
- PFEESANot detected
- PFHpSNot detected
- PFMBANot detected
- PFMPANot 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) | 6.6 ng/L | 4.0 ng/L federal MCL (2024) | Above a historical reference; current applicability unverified | 2024-01-08 to 2024-10-01 | UCMR5 Analytical Results: READING AREA WATER AUTHORITY (PA3060059) |
| Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS) | 5.6 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 | 2024-01-08 to 2024-10-01 | UCMR5 Analytical Results: READING AREA WATER AUTHORITY (PA3060059) |
| Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) | 4.4 ng/L | 400,000 ng/L Michigan EGLE state MCL (strictest US state) | Within a historical reference; current applicability unverified | 2024-01-08 to 2024-10-01 | UCMR5 Analytical Results: READING AREA WATER AUTHORITY (PA3060059) |
| Perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA) | 3 ng/L | No federal or state limit; shown for transparency | Detected, no limit | 2024-01-08 to 2024-10-01 | UCMR5 Analytical Results: READING AREA WATER AUTHORITY (PA3060059) |
| Perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA) | 5.4 ng/L | No federal or state limit; shown for transparency | Detected, no limit | 2024-01-08 to 2024-10-01 | UCMR5 Analytical Results: READING AREA WATER AUTHORITY (PA3060059) |
| 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 | 2024-01-08 to 2024-10-01 | UCMR5 Analytical Results: READING AREA WATER AUTHORITY (PA3060059) |
| 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 | 2024-01-08 to 2024-10-01 | UCMR5 Analytical Results: READING AREA WATER AUTHORITY (PA3060059) |
| 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 | 2024-01-08 to 2024-10-01 | UCMR5 Analytical Results: READING AREA WATER AUTHORITY (PA3060059) |
| 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 | 2024-01-08 to 2024-10-01 | UCMR5 Analytical Results: READING AREA WATER AUTHORITY (PA3060059) |
| 4,8-Dioxa-3H-perfluorononanoic acid (ADONA) | < 3 ng/L | No federal or state limit; shown for transparency | Not detected above the reporting limit | 2024-01-08 to 2024-10-01 | UCMR5 Analytical Results: READING AREA WATER AUTHORITY (PA3060059) |
| 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 | 2024-01-08 to 2024-10-01 | UCMR5 Analytical Results: READING AREA WATER AUTHORITY (PA3060059) |
| Hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA) (GenX chemicals) | < 5 ng/L | 10 ng/L federal MCL (2024) | Not detected above the reporting limit | 2024-01-08 to 2024-10-01 | UCMR5 Analytical Results: READING AREA WATER AUTHORITY (PA3060059) |
| N-ethyl perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid (NEtFOSAA) | < 5 ng/L | No federal or state limit; shown for transparency | Not detected above the reporting limit | 2024-01-08 to 2024-10-01 | UCMR5 Analytical Results: READING AREA WATER AUTHORITY (PA3060059) |
| N-methyl perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid (NMeFOSAA) | < 6 ng/L | No federal or state limit; shown for transparency | Not detected above the reporting limit | 2024-01-08 to 2024-10-01 | UCMR5 Analytical Results: READING AREA WATER AUTHORITY (PA3060059) |
| Nonafluoro-3,6-dioxaheptanoic acid (NFDHA) | < 20 ng/L | No federal or state limit; shown for transparency | Not detected above the reporting limit | 2024-01-08 to 2024-10-01 | UCMR5 Analytical Results: READING AREA WATER AUTHORITY (PA3060059) |
| Perfluoro (2-ethoxyethane) sulfonic acid (PFEESA) | < 3 ng/L | No federal or state limit; shown for transparency | Not detected above the reporting limit | 2024-01-08 to 2024-10-01 | UCMR5 Analytical Results: READING AREA WATER AUTHORITY (PA3060059) |
| Perfluoro-3-methoxypropanoic acid (PFMPA) | < 4 ng/L | No federal or state limit; shown for transparency | Not detected above the reporting limit | 2024-01-08 to 2024-10-01 | UCMR5 Analytical Results: READING AREA WATER AUTHORITY (PA3060059) |
| Perfluoro-4-methoxybutanoic acid (PFMBA) | < 3 ng/L | No federal or state limit; shown for transparency | Not detected above the reporting limit | 2024-01-08 to 2024-10-01 | UCMR5 Analytical Results: READING AREA WATER AUTHORITY (PA3060059) |
| Perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) | < 5 ng/L | No federal or state limit; shown for transparency | Not detected above the reporting limit | 2024-01-08 to 2024-10-01 | UCMR5 Analytical Results: READING AREA WATER AUTHORITY (PA3060059) |
| Perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) | < 3 ng/L | No federal or state limit; shown for transparency | Not detected above the reporting limit | 2024-01-08 to 2024-10-01 | UCMR5 Analytical Results: READING AREA WATER AUTHORITY (PA3060059) |
| Perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoA) | < 3 ng/L | No federal or state limit; shown for transparency | Not detected above the reporting limit | 2024-01-08 to 2024-10-01 | UCMR5 Analytical Results: READING AREA WATER AUTHORITY (PA3060059) |
| Perfluoroheptanesulfonic acid (PFHpS) | < 3 ng/L | No federal or state limit; shown for transparency | Not detected above the reporting limit | 2024-01-08 to 2024-10-01 | UCMR5 Analytical Results: READING AREA WATER AUTHORITY (PA3060059) |
| Perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS) | < 3 ng/L | 10 ng/L federal MCL (2024) | Not detected above the reporting limit | 2024-01-08 to 2024-10-01 | UCMR5 Analytical Results: READING AREA WATER AUTHORITY (PA3060059) |
| Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) | < 4 ng/L | 10 ng/L federal MCL (2024) | Not detected above the reporting limit | 2024-01-08 to 2024-10-01 | UCMR5 Analytical Results: READING AREA WATER AUTHORITY (PA3060059) |
| Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) | < 4 ng/L | 4.0 ng/L federal MCL (2024) | Not detected above the reporting limit | 2024-01-08 to 2024-10-01 | UCMR5 Analytical Results: READING AREA WATER AUTHORITY (PA3060059) |
| Perfluoropentanesulfonic acid (PFPeS) | < 4 ng/L | No federal or state limit; shown for transparency | Not detected above the reporting limit | 2024-01-08 to 2024-10-01 | UCMR5 Analytical Results: READING AREA WATER AUTHORITY (PA3060059) |
| Perfluorotetradecanoic acid (PFTA) | < 8 ng/L | No federal or state limit; shown for transparency | Not detected above the reporting limit | 2024-01-08 to 2024-10-01 | UCMR5 Analytical Results: READING AREA WATER AUTHORITY (PA3060059) |
| Perfluorotridecanoic acid (PFTrDA) | < 7 ng/L | No federal or state limit; shown for transparency | Not detected above the reporting limit | 2024-01-08 to 2024-10-01 | UCMR5 Analytical Results: READING AREA WATER AUTHORITY (PA3060059) |
| Perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnA) | < 2 ng/L | No federal or state limit; shown for transparency | Not detected above the reporting limit | 2024-01-08 to 2024-10-01 | UCMR5 Analytical Results: READING AREA WATER AUTHORITY (PA3060059) |
How this compares
PFOS across 764 cities with a detected value
4 ng/L federal MCL (2024)
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 Reading sitsNot on the stripReading’s PFOS result was below the lab’s reporting limit.
In Pennsylvania
41of 122 city reports
have a regulated PFAS above the federal limit.
PFAS across Pennsylvania →What this record covers
- READING AREA WATER AUTHORITY's water system as a whole, as reported to EPA UCMR 5.
- 29 PFAS compounds, each with its own result.
- Samples taken 2024-01-08 to 2024-10-01.
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
- PFBS · detected below the limit
- PFHxA · detected below the limit
- PFHpA · detected, no federal or state limit
- PFPeA · detected, no federal or state limit
- Reverse osmosisOpen the method →
- Activated carbon (GAC)Open the method →
- Anion exchangeOpen the method →
9 products have a current certification naming a PFAS detected here.See PFAS filters, checked compound by compound ↓
Commercial · PFAS filters
Fit for Reading’s PFAS, compound by compound
Each filter is checked against the 5 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 Reading1 of 5 certified
- PFOA6.6 ng/L✓Certified for this compound
- PFBS5.6 ng/L–No claim on record
- PFHxA4.4 ng/L–No claim on record
- PFHpA3 ng/L–No claim on record
- PFPeA5.4 ng/L–No claim on record
CertifiedNSF/ANSI 53 · PFOA, PFOS
Certified for PFOA; not established for PFBS, PFHxA, PFHpA, PFPeA.
Under-Sink Filter
Aquasana Claryum 3-Stage Max Flow Under-Sink Filter (AQ-6300M)
Activated Carbon (Claryum)Detected in Reading1 of 5 certified
- PFOA6.6 ng/L✓Certified for this compound
- PFBS5.6 ng/L–No claim on record
- PFHxA4.4 ng/L–No claim on record
- PFHpA3 ng/L–No claim on record
- PFPeA5.4 ng/L–No claim on record
CertifiedNSF/ANSI 53 · PFOA, PFOSNSF/ANSI 42
Certified for PFOA; not established for PFBS, PFHxA, PFHpA, PFPeA.
Countertop System
Aquasana Clean Water Machine Countertop Filter (AQ-CWM2)
Activated Carbon (Claryum)Detected in Reading1 of 5 certified
- PFOA6.6 ng/L✓Certified for this compound
- PFBS5.6 ng/L–No claim on record
- PFHxA4.4 ng/L–No claim on record
- PFHpA3 ng/L–No claim on record
- PFPeA5.4 ng/L–No claim on record
CertifiedNSF/ANSI 53 · PFOA, PFOSNSF/ANSI 42
Certified for PFOA; not established for PFBS, PFHxA, PFHpA, PFPeA.
Countertop System
Patriot Pure Ultimate Water Filtration System
Gravity pour-through (Nanomesh filter)Detected in Reading1 of 5 certified
- PFOA6.6 ng/L✓Certified for this compound
- PFBS5.6 ng/L–No claim on record
- PFHxA4.4 ng/L–No claim on record
- PFHpA3 ng/L–No claim on record
- PFPeA5.4 ng/L–No claim on record
CertifiedNSF/ANSI 53 · PFOA, PFOS
Certified for PFOA; not established for PFBS, PFHxA, PFHpA, PFPeA.
Countertop System
AquaTru Carafe Countertop Reverse-Osmosis Purifier (AT100)
Reverse OsmosisDetected in Reading1 of 5 certified
- PFOA6.6 ng/L✓Certified for this compound
- PFBS5.6 ng/L–No claim on record
- PFHxA4.4 ng/L–No claim on record
- PFHpA3 ng/L–No claim on record
- PFPeA5.4 ng/L–No claim on record
CertifiedNSF/ANSI 58NSF/ANSI 53 · PFOA, PFOSNSF/ANSI 42
Certified for PFOA; not established for PFBS, PFHxA, PFHpA, PFPeA.
Countertop System
AquaTru Classic Countertop Reverse-Osmosis Purifier (AT2000)
Reverse OsmosisDetected in Reading1 of 5 certified
- PFOA6.6 ng/L✓Certified for this compound
- PFBS5.6 ng/L–No claim on record
- PFHxA4.4 ng/L–No claim on record
- PFHpA3 ng/L–No claim on record
- PFPeA5.4 ng/L–No claim on record
CertifiedNSF/ANSI 58NSF/ANSI 53 · PFOA, PFOSNSF/ANSI 42
Certified for PFOA; not established for PFBS, PFHxA, PFHpA, PFPeA.
Under-Sink Filter
Waterdrop G3P600 Tankless Reverse-Osmosis System
Reverse OsmosisDetected in Reading1 of 5 certified
- PFOA6.6 ng/L✓Certified for this compound
- PFBS5.6 ng/L–No claim on record
- PFHxA4.4 ng/L–No claim on record
- PFHpA3 ng/L–No claim on record
- PFPeA5.4 ng/L–No claim on record
CertifiedNSF/ANSI 58NSF/ANSI 53 · PFOA, PFOSNSF/ANSI 42
Certified for PFOA; not established for PFBS, PFHxA, PFHpA, PFPeA.
Under-Sink Filter
Waterdrop G3P800 Tankless Reverse-Osmosis System
Reverse OsmosisDetected in Reading1 of 5 certified
- PFOA6.6 ng/L✓Certified for this compound
- PFBS5.6 ng/L–No claim on record
- PFHxA4.4 ng/L–No claim on record
- PFHpA3 ng/L–No claim on record
- PFPeA5.4 ng/L–No claim on record
CertifiedNSF/ANSI 53 · PFOA, PFOSNSF/ANSI 58NSF/ANSI 42
Certified for PFOA; not established for PFBS, PFHxA, PFHpA, PFPeA.
Refrigerator Filter
Whirlpool Filter 3 Refrigerator Water Filter (WHR3RXD1)
Activated CarbonDetected in Reading1 of 5 certified
- PFOA6.6 ng/L✓Certified for this compound
- PFBS5.6 ng/L–No claim on record
- PFHxA4.4 ng/L–No claim on record
- PFHpA3 ng/L–No claim on record
- PFPeA5.4 ng/L–No claim on record
CertifiedNSF/ANSI 53 · PFOA, PFOSNSF/ANSI 42NSF/ANSI 401
Certified for PFOA; not established for PFBS, PFHxA, PFHpA, PFPeA.
- Browse, not a match:
- Brita Elite Water Filter Pitcher
- Clearly Filtered Pitcher (lab-tested, not NSF 53 certified)
- Culligan ZeroWater 10-Cup Pitcher (ZEROP10)
- Frizzlife SP99 Under-Sink Filter
None of these is certified for all 5 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 Reading tap water?
In EPA's UCMR 5 testing of READING AREA WATER AUTHORITY (2024-01-08 to 2024-10-01): PFBS 5.6 ng/L (EPA health advisory 2,000), PFHpA 3 ng/L (no federal or state limit), PFHxA 4.4 ng/L (state limit 400,000), PFOA 6.6 ng/L (limit 4), PFPeA 5.4 ng/L (no federal or state limit) and the other 24 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: READING AREA WATER AUTHORITY (PA3060059)US EPA · 2026-01-15View source ↗
- State SDWIS Compliance RecordLead & Copper Rule 90th-percentile: READING AREA WATER AUTHORITY (PA3060059)US EPA SDWIS · 2026-07-09View source ↗
- State SDWIS Compliance RecordEPA SDWIS Violations & Enforcement: READING AREA WATER AUTHORITY (PA3060059)US EPA SDWIS · 2026-07-09View source ↗