This system was not included in federal PFAS monitoring
FYI▾
Should I be concerned?
This system serves fewer than 3,300 people and was not required to participate in EPA UCMR5 testing. Absence of data is not the same as absence of contamination.
A naturally occurring element found in rock and soil. Gets into drinking water through erosion of natural deposits or runoff from industrial and agricultural sources.
Why it matters
Long-term exposure is linked to increased risk of skin, bladder, and lung cancer. There is no safe level for arsenic — the MCL of 10 µg/L balances health protection with treatment feasibility.
What to do
If your water is near or above the limit, a reverse osmosis filter certified to NSF/ANSI 58 removes over 90% of arsenic. Point-of-use filters at the kitchen tap are effective and affordable.
What the research says
Multiple peer-reviewed studies have found congenital heart defects including atrial septal defects at concentrations as low as 0.0005 mg/L — 20x below the US federal limit.
Naturally present in most water sources. Also increases from road salt, water softeners, and natural mineral deposits.
Why it matters
There is no federal MCL for sodium. The WHO suggests a guideline of 200 mg/L for people on sodium-restricted diets. For most people, sodium in water is a small fraction of dietary intake.
What to do
If you're on a sodium-restricted diet and your water is above 20 mg/L, talk to your doctor. For most people, no action needed.