PFAS ("forever chemicals")
PFOA in U.S. tap water
332 public water systems across 32 U.S. states report PFOA in their annual Consumer Confidence Report. 145 sit at or above the federal limit.
See the PFAS Hotspots leaderboard → — every U.S. water system over EPA's finalized PFAS limit, ranked by severity, from the 2023–2025 UCMR5 lab dataset.
332
systems measuring
145
over the limit
32
states represented
What it is
Perfluorooctanoic acid, a PFAS 'forever chemical' once used in nonstick and stain-resistant products.
Why it's regulated
Linked to cancer, liver damage, and immune effects; the EPA set an enforceable limit of 4 parts per trillion.
Federal limit4 ng/L· MCL
At or above the federal limit (145)
| Water system | Measured | vs. limit |
|---|---|---|
| Peoria, AZ 2024 annual report | 370 ng/L | 92.5× the limit |
| Home Gardens County Wd — Corona, Ca, CA 2022 annual report | 0–240 ng/L | 60.0× the limit |
| Columbus, GA 2024 annual report | 4.2–33.9 ng/L | 8.5× the limit |
| Cal-am Water Company - Duarte — Rosemead, Ca, CA 2022 annual report | 31 ng/L | 7.8× the limit |
| Hialeah, FL 2023 annual report | 0–30 ng/L | 7.5× the limit |
| Boh Nak Mhp, MD 2024 annual report | 23 ng/L | 5.8× the limit |
| Montebello Land & Water Co. — Montebello, Ca, CA 2023 annual report | 20 ng/L | 5.0× the limit |
| South Montebello Irrigation Dist. — Montebello, Ca, CA 2021 annual report | 19 ng/L | 4.8× the limit |
| South Montebello Irrigation Dist. — Montebello, Ca, CA 2020 annual report | 17 ng/L | 4.3× the limit |
| City of Hialeah, FL 2023 annual report | 3–16 ng/L | 4.0× the limit |
| City of North Miami Beach, FL 2023 annual report | 3–16 ng/L | 4.0× the limit |
| Miami Dade, FL 2023 annual report | 3–16 ng/L | 4.0× the limit |
| Atascadero Mutual Water Co — Atascadero, Ca, CA 2023 annual report | 15 ng/L | 3.8× the limit |
| City of Redding — Redding, Ca, CA 2023 annual report | 14.1 ng/L | 3.5× the limit |
| Avondale, AZ 2024 annual report | 0–14 ng/L | 3.5× the limit |
| Orchard Dale Water District — Whittier, Ca, CA 2022 annual report | 8.2–14 ng/L | 3.5× the limit |
| Riverside Highland Water Company — Grand Terrace, Ca, CA 2023 annual report | 0–14 ng/L | 3.5× the limit |
| Lake Arrowhead Csd — Lake Arrowhead, Ca, CA 2023 annual report | 13.75 ng/L | 3.4× the limit |
| Pico Wd — Pico Rivera, Ca, CA 2021 annual report | 13.33 ng/L | 3.3× the limit |
| Glendale, CA 2024 annual report | 13 ng/L | 3.3× the limit |
| South Montebello Irrigation Dist. — Montebello, Ca, CA 2022 annual report | 13 ng/L | 3.3× the limit |
| Bend, OR 2025 annual report | 12.7 ng/L | 3.2× the limit |
| City of Bell Gardens — Downey, Ca, CA 2023 annual report | 12.5 ng/L | 3.1× the limit |
| Vancouver, WA 2024 annual report | 0–12.5 ng/L | 3.1× the limit |
| Downey, CA 2024 annual report | 12.3 ng/L | 3.1× the limit |
| Downey - City, Water Dept. — Downey, Ca, CA 2023 annual report | 12.3 ng/L | 3.1× the limit |
| Pico Wd — Pico Rivera, Ca, CA 2020 annual report | 12.3 ng/L | 3.1× the limit |
| Montebello Land & Water Co. — Montebello, Ca, CA 2020 annual report | 12 ng/L | 3.0× the limit |
| Orchard Dale Water District — Whittier, Ca, CA 2021 annual report | 11.86 ng/L | 3.0× the limit |
| Del Rio Mutual — El Monte, Ca, CA 2021 annual report | 11.5 ng/L | 2.9× the limit |
| La Habra Heights Cwd — La Habra Heights, Ca, CA 2023 annual report | 11.02 ng/L | 2.8× the limit |
| Burbank, CA 2024 annual report | 0–11 ng/L | 2.8× the limit |
| Montebello Land & Water Co. — Montebello, Ca, CA 2022 annual report | 11 ng/L | 2.8× the limit |
| Whittier-city, Water Dept. — Whittier, Ca, CA 2020 annual report | 6.9–11 ng/L | 2.8× the limit |
| Pico Wd — Pico Rivera, Ca, CA 2022 annual report | 10.494 ng/L | 2.6× the limit |
| City of Bell Gardens — Downey, Ca, CA 2022 annual report | 10.4 ng/L | 2.6× the limit |
| Pico Wd — Pico Rivera, Ca, CA 2023 annual report | 10.33 ng/L | 2.6× the limit |
| Hesperia, CA 2024 annual report | 0–10.2 ng/L | 2.5× the limit |
| Del Rio Mutual — El Monte, Ca, CA 2022 annual report | 10.1 ng/L | 2.5× the limit |
| Pico Rivera - City, Water Dept. — Pico Rivera, Ca, CA 2023 annual report | 10.1 ng/L | 2.5× the limit |
| Commerce-city, Water Dept. — San Jose, Ca, CA 2021 annual report | 10 ng/L | 2.5× the limit |
| Montara Water and Sanitary District — Montara, Ca, CA 2023 annual report | 0–9.8 ng/L | 2.5× the limit |
| Pico Rivera - City, Water Dept. — Pico Rivera, Ca, CA 2022 annual report | 9.5 ng/L | 2.4× the limit |
| Chula Vista Sweetwater, CA 2024 annual report | 9.4 ng/L | 2.4× the limit |
| Sweetwater Authority — Chula Vista, Ca, CA 2023 annual report | 9.4 ng/L | 2.4× the limit |
| Santa Fe Springs - City, Water Dept. — Santa Fe Springs, Ca, CA 2020 annual report | 9.2 ng/L | 2.3× the limit |
| Del Rio Mutual — El Monte, Ca, CA 2023 annual report | 8.975 ng/L | 2.2× the limit |
| Elsinore Valley MWD — Lake Elsinore, Ca, CA 2022 annual report | 0–8.4 ng/L | 2.1× the limit |
| Tract 180 Mutual Water Co. — Cudahy, Ca, CA 2023 annual report | 8.2 ng/L | 2.0× the limit |
| Palm Bay, FL 2024 annual report | 7.8–8 ng/L | 2.0× the limit |
| Suburban Water Systems-la Mirada — Covina, Ca, CA 2020 annual report | 8 ng/L | 2.0× the limit |
| Fayetteville, NC 2024 annual report | 7.84 ng/L | 2.0× the limit |
| Whittier-city, Water Dept. — Whittier, Ca, CA 2022 annual report | 3.6–7.7 ng/L | 1.9× the limit |
| City of Red Bluff — Red Bluff, Ca, CA 2023 annual report | 7.4 ng/L | 1.9× the limit |
| Jersey City, NJ 2024 annual report | 7.3 ng/L | 1.8× the limit |
| Abilene, TX 2024 annual report | 7.14 ng/L | 1.8× the limit |
| Hamden, CT 2024 annual report | 0–7.1 ng/L | 1.8× the limit |
| Pomona, CA 2024 annual report | 0–7.1 ng/L | 1.8× the limit |
| Elizabeth, NJ 2024 annual report | 7 ng/L | 1.8× the limit |
| Gilbert, AZ 2024 annual report | 7 ng/L | 1.8× the limit |
| Monrovia-city, Water Dept. — Monrovia, Ca, CA 2020 annual report | 6.9 ng/L | 1.7× the limit |
| Santa Fe Springs - City, Water Dept. — Santa Fe Springs, Ca, CA 2023 annual report | 6.9 ng/L | 1.7× the limit |
| South Gate-city, Water Dept. — South Gate, Ca, CA 2023 annual report | 6.8 ng/L | 1.7× the limit |
| Whittier-city, Water Dept. — Whittier, Ca, CA 2021 annual report | 4–6.8 ng/L | 1.7× the limit |
| Suburban Water Systems-la Mirada — Covina, Ca, CA 2021 annual report | 6.76 ng/L | 1.7× the limit |
| Gswc - Claremont — San Dimas, Ca, CA 2022 annual report | 6.6 ng/L | 1.6× the limit |
| Whittier-city, Water Dept. — Whittier, Ca, CA 2023 annual report | 0–6.6 ng/L | 1.6× the limit |
| Manchester, NH 2024 annual report | 5.59–6.51 ng/L | 1.6× the limit |
| Gswc - Hollydale — Anaheim, Ca, CA 2021 annual report | 6.4 ng/L | 1.6× the limit |
| Monrovia-city, Water Dept. — Monrovia, Ca, CA 2023 annual report | 6.37 ng/L | 1.6× the limit |
| City of Paso Robles Water Division — Paso Robles, Ca, CA 2023 annual report | 0–6.3 ng/L | 1.6× the limit |
| Colton, City of — Colton, Ca, CA 2023 annual report | 6.2 ng/L | 1.6× the limit |
| Fort Worth, TX 2024 annual report | 6.2 ng/L | 1.6× the limit |
| Terrace Water Company — Colton, Ca, CA 2023 annual report | 6.2 ng/L | 1.6× the limit |
| Campus Hills, MD 2024 annual report | 6.1 ng/L | 1.5× the limit |
| Allentown, PA 2024 annual report | 2.29–6.08 ng/L | 1.5× the limit |
| Edison, NJ 2024 annual report | 6 ng/L | 1.5× the limit |
| Suburban Water Systems-whittier — Covina, Ca, CA 2023 annual report | 6 ng/L | 1.5× the limit |
| Bradford Estates, MD 2024 annual report | 5.9 ng/L | 1.5× the limit |
| Lakewood - City, Water Dept. — Lakewood, Ca, CA 2023 annual report | 5.9 ng/L | 1.5× the limit |
| Nuevo Water Company — Nuevo, Ca, CA 2022 annual report | 5.8 ng/L | 1.4× the limit |
| Santa Fe Springs - City, Water Dept. — Santa Fe Springs, Ca, CA 2021 annual report | 5.8 ng/L | 1.4× the limit |
| Lodi, City of — Lodi, Ca, CA 2023 annual report | 5.7 ng/L | 1.4× the limit |
| Monterey Park-city, Water Dept. — Monterey Park, Ca, CA 2023 annual report | 0–5.7 ng/L | 1.4× the limit |
| Norwalk - City, Water Dept. — Norwalk, Ca, CA 2022 annual report | 5.7 ng/L | 1.4× the limit |
| Suburban Water Systems-la Mirada — Covina, Ca, CA 2022 annual report | 5.6 ng/L | 1.4× the limit |
| Columbia, SC 2024 annual report | 5.5 ng/L | 1.4× the limit |
| Reno, NV 2024 annual report | 5.5 ng/L | 1.4× the limit |
| South Montebello Irrigation Dist. — Montebello, Ca, CA 2023 annual report | 5.4 ng/L | 1.4× the limit |
| Suburban Water Systems-la Mirada — Covina, Ca, CA 2023 annual report | 5.4 ng/L | 1.4× the limit |
| Monrovia-city, Water Dept. — Monrovia, Ca, CA 2021 annual report | 5.38 ng/L | 1.3× the limit |
| Charleston, SC 2024 annual report | 5.3 ng/L | 1.3× the limit |
| North Charleston, SC 2024 annual report | 5.3 ng/L | 1.3× the limit |
| San Bernardino Valley Wd — San Bernardino, Ca, CA 2023 annual report | 0–5.3 ng/L | 1.3× the limit |
| West Valley Water District — Rialto, Ca, CA 2023 annual report | 0–5.3 ng/L | 1.3× the limit |
| Fullerton, CA 2024 annual report | 5.2 ng/L | 1.3× the limit |
| Santa Fe Springs - City, Water Dept. — Santa Fe Springs, Ca, CA 2022 annual report | 5.2 ng/L | 1.3× the limit |
| Monrovia-city, Water Dept. — Monrovia, Ca, CA 2022 annual report | 5.12 ng/L | 1.3× the limit |
| Boonsboro Keedysville, MD 2024 annual report | 5.1000000000000005 ng/L | 1.3× the limit |
| Tempe, AZ 2024 annual report | 5 ng/L | 1.3× the limit |
| City of Arcadia — Arcadia, Ca, CA 2023 annual report | 0–4.9 ng/L | 1.2× the limit |
| City of Arcadia — Arcadia, Ca, CA 2022 annual report | 0–4.9 ng/L | 1.2× the limit |
| City of Arcadia — Arcadia, Ca, CA 2021 annual report | 0–4.9 ng/L | 1.2× the limit |
| Newark, NJ 2024 annual report | 4.9 ng/L | 1.2× the limit |
| Tract 349 Mutual Water Co. — Cudahy, Ca, CA 2023 annual report | 4.8 ng/L | 1.2× the limit |
| City of Arcadia — Arcadia, Ca, CA 2020 annual report | 0–4.7 ng/L | 1.2× the limit |
| Gswc - Claremont — San Dimas, Ca, CA 2020 annual report | 4.7 ng/L | 1.2× the limit |
| Rowland Water District — Rowland Heights, Ca, CA 2023 annual report | 0–4.7 ng/L | 1.2× the limit |
| Liberty Utilities - Lynwood — Downey, Ca, CA 2023 annual report | 4.6 ng/L | 1.1× the limit |
| Philadelphia, PA 2023 annual report | 4.6 ng/L | 1.1× the limit |
| Grand Prairie, TX 2024 annual report | 4.5 ng/L | 1.1× the limit |
| Paradise Ranch Mhp — Beverly Hills, Ca, CA 2023 annual report | 4.5 ng/L | 1.1× the limit |
| Santa Clarita, CA 2024 annual report | 4.5 ng/L | 1.1× the limit |
| City of Pleasanton — Pleasanton, Ca, CA 2023 annual report | 4.45 ng/L | 1.1× the limit |
| Augusta, GA 2024 annual report | 4.4 ng/L | 1.1× the limit |
| Brown Deer, WI 2023 annual report | 4.4 ng/L | 1.1× the limit |
| Butler, WI 2023 annual report | 4.4 ng/L | 1.1× the limit |
| Franklin, WI 2023 annual report | 4.4 ng/L | 1.1× the limit |
| Greendale, WI 2023 annual report | 4.4 ng/L | 1.1× the limit |
| Greenfield, WI 2023 annual report | 4.4 ng/L | 1.1× the limit |
| Hales Corners, WI 2023 annual report | 4.4 ng/L | 1.1× the limit |
| Menomonee Falls, WI 2023 annual report | 4.4 ng/L | 1.1× the limit |
| Mequon, WI 2023 annual report | 4.4 ng/L | 1.1× the limit |
| Milwaukee, WI 2023 annual report | 4.4 ng/L | 1.1× the limit |
| New Berlin, WI 2023 annual report | 4.4 ng/L | 1.1× the limit |
| Shorewood, WI 2023 annual report | 4.4 ng/L | 1.1× the limit |
| St. Francis, WI 2023 annual report | 4.4 ng/L | 1.1× the limit |
| Thiensville, WI 2023 annual report | 4.4 ng/L | 1.1× the limit |
| Waukesha, WI 2023 annual report | 4.4 ng/L | 1.1× the limit |
| Wauwatosa, WI 2023 annual report | 4.4 ng/L | 1.1× the limit |
| West Allis, WI 2023 annual report | 4.4 ng/L | 1.1× the limit |
| Corona, City of — Corona, Ca, CA 2023 annual report | 0–4.3 ng/L | 1.1× the limit |
| Crescenta Valley Cwd — La Crescenta, Ca, CA 2022 annual report | 1.5–4.3 ng/L | 1.1× the limit |
| Lakewood, NJ 2025 annual report | 4.3 ng/L | 1.1× the limit |
| Cal-am Water Company - Duarte — Rosemead, Ca, CA 2020 annual report | 4.12 ng/L | 1.0× the limit |
| New Orleans, LA 2024 annual report | 0–4.1 ng/L | 1.0× the limit |
| Centennial, CO 2023 annual report | 4.09 ng/L | 1.0× the limit |
| Backbone Mountain Boys Camp, MD 2024 annual report | 4 ng/L | 1.0× the limit |
| Cheltenham Youth Facility, MD 2024 annual report | 4 ng/L | 1.0× the limit |
| Eastern Correctional Institute, MD 2024 annual report | 4 ng/L | 1.0× the limit |
| Goodyear, AZ 2024 annual report | 4 ng/L | 1.0× the limit |
| South Tahoe Pud - Main — South Lake Tahoe, Ca, CA 2023 annual report | 4 ng/L | 1.0× the limit |
| Stamford, CT 2024 annual report | 4 ng/L | 1.0× the limit |
| Town of Accident, MD 2024 annual report | 4 ng/L | 1.0× the limit |
| West Covina, CA 2024 annual report | 4 ng/L | 1.0× the limit |
Approaching the limit (24)
| Water system | Measured | vs. limit |
|---|---|---|
| Bakman Water Company — Fresno, Ca, CA 2023 annual report | 0–3.9 ng/L | 1.0× the limit |
| California Domestic Water Company — Whittier, Ca, CA 2021 annual report | 3.9 ng/L | 1.0× the limit |
| Los Angeles Cwwd 36-val Verde — Alhambra, Ca, CA 2023 annual report | 3.9 ng/L | 1.0× the limit |
| Thornton, CO 2024 annual report | 0–3.9 ng/L | 1.0× the limit |
| California Domestic Water Company — Whittier, Ca, CA 2020 annual report | 3.7 ng/L | 0.9× the limit |
| City of Orange — Orange, Ca, CA 2022 annual report | 3.7 ng/L | 0.9× the limit |
| Greensboro, NC 2024 annual report | 3.65 ng/L | 0.9× the limit |
| Dayton, OH 2024 annual report | 3.57 ng/L | 0.9× the limit |
| Raleigh, NC 2024 annual report | 3.35 ng/L | 0.8× the limit |
| Town of Garner, NC 2024 annual report | 3.35 ng/L | 0.8× the limit |
| Town of Knightdale, NC 2024 annual report | 3.35 ng/L | 0.8× the limit |
| Town of Rolesville, NC 2024 annual report | 3.35 ng/L | 0.8× the limit |
| Town of Wake Forest, NC 2024 annual report | 3.35 ng/L | 0.8× the limit |
| Town of Wendell, NC 2024 annual report | 3.35 ng/L | 0.8× the limit |
| Town of Zebulon, NC 2024 annual report | 3.35 ng/L | 0.8× the limit |
| City of Hampton, VA 2024 annual report | 3.3 ng/L | 0.8× the limit |
| City of Newport News, VA 2025 annual report | 3.3 ng/L | 0.8× the limit |
| City of Poquoson, VA 2024 annual report | 2.1–3.3 ng/L | 0.8× the limit |
| City of Poquoson, VA 2025 annual report | 3.3 ng/L | 0.8× the limit |
| Hampton, VA 2025 annual report | 3.3 ng/L | 0.8× the limit |
| James City County, VA 2025 annual report | 3.3 ng/L | 0.8× the limit |
| Nas North Island & Nab Coronado — San Diego, Ca, CA 2021 annual report | 3.3 ng/L | 0.8× the limit |
| Newport News, VA 2024 annual report | 3.3 ng/L | 0.8× the limit |
| York County, VA 2024 annual report | 3.3 ng/L | 0.8× the limit |
Within the federal limit (163)
Showing 50 of 163. The full list is in the JSON API.
Frequently asked
+What is PFOA?
Perfluorooctanoic acid, a PFAS 'forever chemical' once used in nonstick and stain-resistant products. Linked to cancer, liver damage, and immune effects; the EPA set an enforceable limit of 4 parts per trillion.
+What is the federal limit for PFOA in drinking water?
The federal MCL for PFOA is 4 ng/L. The EPA enforces this against the regulated reporting statistic (typically a running annual average or 90th percentile), not a single-sample spike.
+How many U.S. water systems have PFOA over the federal limit?
145 of the 332 public water systems on The Water Map report PFOA at or above its federal limit, spanning 32 U.S. states. The full list is on this page.
+How can I check if PFOA is in my city's tap water?
Search your city on The Water Map (https://www.thewatermap.com/) or browse the list on this page. Every U.S. public water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report that lists every contaminant it measured, including PFOA.