Waterville, ME · PFAS · forever chemicals
Is There PFAS in Waterville Tap Water?
Waterville, ME: PFOA 6.4 ng/L, 1.6× EPA's 4 ng/L limit. 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 has a federal limit. PFBA and PFHpA have no federal or state limit and are shown for transparency, not graded.
- PFOAFederal MCLPerfluorooctanoic acid6.4ng/LAbove its limit · sampled 2023-02-21 to 2023-11-06Evidence
- PFHxAState MCL · MichiganPerfluorohexanoic acid3ng/LDetected, below its state limit · sampled 2023-02-21 to 2023-11-06Evidence
- PFBANo limitPerfluorobutanoic acid6.5ng/L
No federal or state limit: shown for transparency, not graded.
Detected, no limit · sampled 2023-02-21 to 2023-11-06Evidence - PFHpANo limitPerfluoroheptanoic acid5.4ng/L
No federal or state limit: shown for transparency, not graded.
Detected, no limit · sampled 2023-02-21 to 2023-11-06Evidence
All 29 compounds in this record
- PFOAMCL6.4 ng/L
- PFOSMCLNot detected
- PFHxSMCLNot detected
- PFNAMCLNot detected
- HFPO-DA (GenX)MCLNot detected
- PFHxA3 ng/L
- PFBA6.5 ng/L
- PFHpA5.4 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
- PFBSNot detected
- PFDANot detected
- PFDoANot detected
- PFEESANot detected
- PFHpSNot 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) | 6.4 ng/L | 4.0 ng/L federal MCL (2024) | Above a historical reference; current applicability unverified | 2023-02-21 to 2023-11-06 | UCMR5 Analytical Results: KENNEBEC WATER DISTRICT (ME0090750) |
| Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) | 3 ng/L | 400,000 ng/L Michigan EGLE state MCL (strictest US state) | Within a historical reference; current applicability unverified | 2023-02-21 to 2023-11-06 | UCMR5 Analytical Results: KENNEBEC WATER DISTRICT (ME0090750) |
| Perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) | 6.5 ng/L | No federal or state limit; shown for transparency | Detected, no limit | 2023-02-21 to 2023-11-06 | UCMR5 Analytical Results: KENNEBEC WATER DISTRICT (ME0090750) |
| Perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA) | 5.4 ng/L | No federal or state limit; shown for transparency | Detected, no limit | 2023-02-21 to 2023-11-06 | UCMR5 Analytical Results: KENNEBEC WATER DISTRICT (ME0090750) |
| 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 | 2023-02-21 to 2023-11-06 | UCMR5 Analytical Results: KENNEBEC WATER DISTRICT (ME0090750) |
| 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 | 2023-02-21 to 2023-11-06 | UCMR5 Analytical Results: KENNEBEC WATER DISTRICT (ME0090750) |
| 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 | 2023-02-21 to 2023-11-06 | UCMR5 Analytical Results: KENNEBEC WATER DISTRICT (ME0090750) |
| 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 | 2023-02-21 to 2023-11-06 | UCMR5 Analytical Results: KENNEBEC WATER DISTRICT (ME0090750) |
| 4,8-Dioxa-3H-perfluorononanoic acid (ADONA) | < 3 ng/L | No federal or state limit; shown for transparency | Not detected above the reporting limit | 2023-02-21 to 2023-11-06 | UCMR5 Analytical Results: KENNEBEC WATER DISTRICT (ME0090750) |
| 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 | 2023-02-21 to 2023-11-06 | UCMR5 Analytical Results: KENNEBEC WATER DISTRICT (ME0090750) |
| Hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA) (GenX chemicals) | < 5 ng/L | 10 ng/L federal MCL (2024) | Not detected above the reporting limit | 2023-02-21 to 2023-11-06 | UCMR5 Analytical Results: KENNEBEC WATER DISTRICT (ME0090750) |
| N-ethyl perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid (NEtFOSAA) | < 5 ng/L | No federal or state limit; shown for transparency | Not detected above the reporting limit | 2023-02-21 to 2023-11-06 | UCMR5 Analytical Results: KENNEBEC WATER DISTRICT (ME0090750) |
| N-methyl perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid (NMeFOSAA) | < 6 ng/L | No federal or state limit; shown for transparency | Not detected above the reporting limit | 2023-02-21 to 2023-11-06 | UCMR5 Analytical Results: KENNEBEC WATER DISTRICT (ME0090750) |
| Nonafluoro-3,6-dioxaheptanoic acid (NFDHA) | < 20 ng/L | No federal or state limit; shown for transparency | Not detected above the reporting limit | 2023-02-21 to 2023-11-06 | UCMR5 Analytical Results: KENNEBEC WATER DISTRICT (ME0090750) |
| Perfluoro (2-ethoxyethane) sulfonic acid (PFEESA) | < 3 ng/L | No federal or state limit; shown for transparency | Not detected above the reporting limit | 2023-02-21 to 2023-11-06 | UCMR5 Analytical Results: KENNEBEC WATER DISTRICT (ME0090750) |
| Perfluoro-3-methoxypropanoic acid (PFMPA) | < 4 ng/L | No federal or state limit; shown for transparency | Not detected above the reporting limit | 2023-02-21 to 2023-11-06 | UCMR5 Analytical Results: KENNEBEC WATER DISTRICT (ME0090750) |
| Perfluoro-4-methoxybutanoic acid (PFMBA) | < 3 ng/L | No federal or state limit; shown for transparency | Not detected above the reporting limit | 2023-02-21 to 2023-11-06 | UCMR5 Analytical Results: KENNEBEC WATER DISTRICT (ME0090750) |
| Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS) | < 3 ng/L | 2,000 ng/L EPA health advisory (screening, not a legal limit)Screening level, not a legal limit | Not detected above the reporting limit | 2023-02-21 to 2023-11-06 | UCMR5 Analytical Results: KENNEBEC WATER DISTRICT (ME0090750) |
| Perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) | < 3 ng/L | No federal or state limit; shown for transparency | Not detected above the reporting limit | 2023-02-21 to 2023-11-06 | UCMR5 Analytical Results: KENNEBEC WATER DISTRICT (ME0090750) |
| Perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoA) | < 3 ng/L | No federal or state limit; shown for transparency | Not detected above the reporting limit | 2023-02-21 to 2023-11-06 | UCMR5 Analytical Results: KENNEBEC WATER DISTRICT (ME0090750) |
| Perfluoroheptanesulfonic acid (PFHpS) | < 3 ng/L | No federal or state limit; shown for transparency | Not detected above the reporting limit | 2023-02-21 to 2023-11-06 | UCMR5 Analytical Results: KENNEBEC WATER DISTRICT (ME0090750) |
| Perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS) | < 3 ng/L | 10 ng/L federal MCL (2024) | Not detected above the reporting limit | 2023-02-21 to 2023-11-06 | UCMR5 Analytical Results: KENNEBEC WATER DISTRICT (ME0090750) |
| Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) | < 4 ng/L | 10 ng/L federal MCL (2024) | Not detected above the reporting limit | 2023-02-21 to 2023-11-06 | UCMR5 Analytical Results: KENNEBEC WATER DISTRICT (ME0090750) |
| Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) | < 4 ng/L | 4.0 ng/L federal MCL (2024) | Not detected above the reporting limit | 2023-02-21 to 2023-11-06 | UCMR5 Analytical Results: KENNEBEC WATER DISTRICT (ME0090750) |
| Perfluoropentanesulfonic acid (PFPeS) | < 4 ng/L | No federal or state limit; shown for transparency | Not detected above the reporting limit | 2023-02-21 to 2023-11-06 | UCMR5 Analytical Results: KENNEBEC WATER DISTRICT (ME0090750) |
| Perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA) | < 3 ng/L | No federal or state limit; shown for transparency | Not detected above the reporting limit | 2023-02-21 to 2023-11-06 | UCMR5 Analytical Results: KENNEBEC WATER DISTRICT (ME0090750) |
| Perfluorotetradecanoic acid (PFTA) | < 8 ng/L | No federal or state limit; shown for transparency | Not detected above the reporting limit | 2023-02-21 to 2023-11-06 | UCMR5 Analytical Results: KENNEBEC WATER DISTRICT (ME0090750) |
| Perfluorotridecanoic acid (PFTrDA) | < 7 ng/L | No federal or state limit; shown for transparency | Not detected above the reporting limit | 2023-02-21 to 2023-11-06 | UCMR5 Analytical Results: KENNEBEC WATER DISTRICT (ME0090750) |
| Perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnA) | < 2 ng/L | No federal or state limit; shown for transparency | Not detected above the reporting limit | 2023-02-21 to 2023-11-06 | UCMR5 Analytical Results: KENNEBEC WATER DISTRICT (ME0090750) |
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 Waterville sitsNot on the stripWaterville’s PFOS result was below the lab’s reporting limit.
What this record covers
- KENNEBEC WATER DISTRICT's water system as a whole, as reported to EPA UCMR 5.
- 29 PFAS compounds, each with its own result.
- Samples taken 2023-02-21 to 2023-11-06.
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
- PFHxA · detected below the limit
- PFBA · detected, no federal or state limit
- PFHpA · 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 Waterville’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 2-Stage Under-Sink Filter (AQ-5200)
Activated Carbon (Claryum)Detected in Waterville1 of 4 certified
- PFOA6.4 ng/L✓Certified for this compound
- PFHxA3 ng/L–No claim on record
- PFBA6.5 ng/L–No claim on record
- PFHpA5.4 ng/L–No claim on record
CertifiedNSF/ANSI 53 · PFOA, PFOS
Certified for PFOA; not established for PFHxA, PFBA, PFHpA.
Under-Sink Filter
Aquasana Claryum 3-Stage Max Flow Under-Sink Filter (AQ-6300M)
Activated Carbon (Claryum)Detected in Waterville1 of 4 certified
- PFOA6.4 ng/L✓Certified for this compound
- PFHxA3 ng/L–No claim on record
- PFBA6.5 ng/L–No claim on record
- PFHpA5.4 ng/L–No claim on record
CertifiedNSF/ANSI 53 · PFOA, PFOSNSF/ANSI 42
Certified for PFOA; not established for PFHxA, PFBA, PFHpA.
Countertop System
Aquasana Clean Water Machine Countertop Filter (AQ-CWM2)
Activated Carbon (Claryum)Detected in Waterville1 of 4 certified
- PFOA6.4 ng/L✓Certified for this compound
- PFHxA3 ng/L–No claim on record
- PFBA6.5 ng/L–No claim on record
- PFHpA5.4 ng/L–No claim on record
CertifiedNSF/ANSI 53 · PFOA, PFOSNSF/ANSI 42
Certified for PFOA; not established for PFHxA, PFBA, PFHpA.
Countertop System
Patriot Pure Ultimate Water Filtration System
Gravity pour-through (Nanomesh filter)Detected in Waterville1 of 4 certified
- PFOA6.4 ng/L✓Certified for this compound
- PFHxA3 ng/L–No claim on record
- PFBA6.5 ng/L–No claim on record
- PFHpA5.4 ng/L–No claim on record
CertifiedNSF/ANSI 53 · PFOA, PFOS
Certified for PFOA; not established for PFHxA, PFBA, PFHpA.
Countertop System
AquaTru Carafe Countertop Reverse-Osmosis Purifier (AT100)
Reverse OsmosisDetected in Waterville1 of 4 certified
- PFOA6.4 ng/L✓Certified for this compound
- PFHxA3 ng/L–No claim on record
- PFBA6.5 ng/L–No claim on record
- PFHpA5.4 ng/L–No claim on record
CertifiedNSF/ANSI 58NSF/ANSI 53 · PFOA, PFOSNSF/ANSI 42
Certified for PFOA; not established for PFHxA, PFBA, PFHpA.
Countertop System
AquaTru Classic Countertop Reverse-Osmosis Purifier (AT2000)
Reverse OsmosisDetected in Waterville1 of 4 certified
- PFOA6.4 ng/L✓Certified for this compound
- PFHxA3 ng/L–No claim on record
- PFBA6.5 ng/L–No claim on record
- PFHpA5.4 ng/L–No claim on record
CertifiedNSF/ANSI 58NSF/ANSI 53 · PFOA, PFOSNSF/ANSI 42
Certified for PFOA; not established for PFHxA, PFBA, PFHpA.
Under-Sink Filter
Waterdrop G3P600 Tankless Reverse-Osmosis System
Reverse OsmosisDetected in Waterville1 of 4 certified
- PFOA6.4 ng/L✓Certified for this compound
- PFHxA3 ng/L–No claim on record
- PFBA6.5 ng/L–No claim on record
- PFHpA5.4 ng/L–No claim on record
CertifiedNSF/ANSI 58NSF/ANSI 53 · PFOA, PFOSNSF/ANSI 42
Certified for PFOA; not established for PFHxA, PFBA, PFHpA.
Under-Sink Filter
Waterdrop G3P800 Tankless Reverse-Osmosis System
Reverse OsmosisDetected in Waterville1 of 4 certified
- PFOA6.4 ng/L✓Certified for this compound
- PFHxA3 ng/L–No claim on record
- PFBA6.5 ng/L–No claim on record
- PFHpA5.4 ng/L–No claim on record
CertifiedNSF/ANSI 53 · PFOA, PFOSNSF/ANSI 58NSF/ANSI 42
Certified for PFOA; not established for PFHxA, PFBA, PFHpA.
Refrigerator Filter
Whirlpool Filter 3 Refrigerator Water Filter (WHR3RXD1)
Activated CarbonDetected in Waterville1 of 4 certified
- PFOA6.4 ng/L✓Certified for this compound
- PFHxA3 ng/L–No claim on record
- PFBA6.5 ng/L–No claim on record
- PFHpA5.4 ng/L–No claim on record
CertifiedNSF/ANSI 53 · PFOA, PFOSNSF/ANSI 42NSF/ANSI 401
Certified for PFOA; not established for PFHxA, PFBA, PFHpA.
- 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 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 Waterville tap water?
In EPA's UCMR 5 testing of KENNEBEC WATER DISTRICT (2023-02-21 to 2023-11-06): PFBA 6.5 ng/L (no federal or state limit), PFHpA 5.4 ng/L (no federal or state limit), PFHxA 3 ng/L (state limit 400,000), PFOA 6.4 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: KENNEBEC WATER DISTRICT (ME0090750)US EPA · 2026-01-15View source ↗
- State SDWIS Compliance RecordLead & Copper Rule 90th-percentile: KENNEBEC WATER DISTRICT (ME0090750)US EPA SDWIS · 2026-07-09View source ↗