PFAS in Drinking Water

At a Glance

What Are PFAS?

PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances.⁠^[5] EPA describes them this way: “PFAS are widely used, long lasting chemicals, components of which break down very slowly over time.” It adds that “There are thousands of PFAS chemicals, and they are found in many different consumer, commercial, and industrial products.”⁠^[5]

Because they last so long, EPA notes, “many PFAS are found in the blood of people and animals all over the world and are present at low levels in a variety of food products and in the environment.” On health, EPA’s summary is measured: “Scientific studies have shown that exposure to some PFAS in the environment may be linked to harmful health effects in humans and animals.”⁠^[5]

For public water customers, the New York State Department of Health gives clear guidance: “New York State residents can continue to drink their water unless told otherwise by their public water system, or the local or state health department.”⁠^[1]

How PFAS Reach Drinking Water

According to the New York State Department of Health, “PFAS are commonly found in the environment and have been detected in public drinking water and in private wells,” and “PFAS have been detected in drinking water near where these chemicals were manufactured, used, or disposed of in New York State and in the U.S.”⁠^[4] The department adds that “People are exposed to PFAS in water mainly through drinking and foods prepared with that water.”⁠^[4]

On Long Island, the U.S. Geological Survey states that “Groundwater is the sole source of freshwater supply in Nassau and Suffolk Counties on Long Island.”⁠^[6]

Federal Limits and the 2026 Updates

“On April 10, 2024, EPA announced the final NPDWR for six PFAS.” With it, “EPA established legally enforceable levels, called Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs), for six PFAS in drinking water.” Under that rule, “Public water systems must monitor for these PFAS and have three years to complete initial monitoring (by 2027), followed by ongoing compliance monitoring,” and “Public water systems have five years (by 2029) to implement solutions that reduce these PFAS if monitoring shows that drinking water levels exceed these MCLs.”⁠^[2]

The 2024 rule also requires that “Water systems must also provide the public with information on the levels of these PFAS in their drinking water beginning in 2027.”⁠^[2]

New York State Limits

New York set its own limits before the federal rule:

“In 2020, New York State set MCLs of 10 parts per trillion (10 ppt) for PFOA and PFOS, and 1 part per billion (1 ppb) for 1,4-dioxane.”

The Department of Health explains that “Public drinking water with PFOA or PFOS above the MCLs must be treated to reduce the levels below the MCL,” and that “Until 2029, public water systems must still meet New York State maximum contaminant levels of 10 ppt for PFOA and PFOS.”⁠^[1] It also “requires public water systems to test for several other commonly found PFAS compounds when PFOA or PFOS are detected.”⁠^[4]

State limits may tighten. In June 2026, the New York State Legislature passed bill S3207B, which would lower the state limits for PFOA and PFOS to no higher than 4 parts per trillion; as of October 25, 2026, the Senate’s record showed it passed by both houses and not signed into law.⁠^[8] For New York’s 1,4-dioxane limit, see our 1,4-dioxane guide.

Private Wells

The New York State Department of Health is direct about wells: “Like many contaminants, New York State does not regulate PFAS in private wells.” Instead, “The state’s highly protective drinking water standards for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) are used as guidelines to recommend actions to reduce exposures in private wells.”⁠^[4]

EPA puts it simply: “Private well owners are responsible for delivering safe drinking water to their households.”⁠^[9] The Department of Health suggests you “Contact your local health department or DOH’s Bureau of Environmental Exposure Investigation to find out if PFAS contamination is present in your area and what steps are recommended.”⁠^[4] Our private well guide covers testing in more detail.

How to Check Your Water

If your home is on public water

Start with your supplier’s annual drinking water quality report. EPA says “Reports must be sent by your water supplier each year by July 1,” and each report includes “The regulated contaminant found in local drinking water.”⁠^[10] The New York State Department of Health lets you “Find and map a large public water system closest to you and view its Annual Drinking Water Quality Report.”⁠^[11]

If you have a private well

Testing is up to you. The Department of Health notes that “PFAS tests are performed by a small number of certified laboratories that have specialized equipment and quality control procedures.”⁠^[4]

Reducing PFAS at Home

The New York State Department of Health says “Water filtration units that use granulated activated carbon (GAC, also called charcoal filters) and reverse osmosis (RO) can be effective in removing PFAS chemicals from drinking water,” and that “Using a water filter for your drinking water can decrease your exposure to PFAS.”⁠^[4]

Whatever system you consider, the CDC advises: “Check your treatment system’s label to make sure the system removes the chemicals or germs you are concerned about.”⁠^[12] Our specialists can talk through the options for your home after a free water test.