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On May 19, 2016, The US EPA issued health advisories for theperflourinated compounds (PFCs) perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) of 70 parts per trillion. 

PFCs are typically associated with manufacturing of non-stick coatings, water proofing and stain proofing treatments.  They had also been associated with certain fire-fighting foams.

PFCs are not a concern for MWRA water and have never been detected. 

Below is a list of all the PFCs that MWRA tested for and did not find:

• Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)
• Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS)
• Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA)
• Perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS)
• Perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA)
• Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS)

MWRA tests the water supply each year for over 120 contaminants to ensure the water supplied is of the highest quality.

PFCs would not be expected to be found since MWRA’s reservoirs, the Quabbin and Wachusett, are very well protected, and mostly surrounded by conservation land.  

If you have any questions about water quality, please visit MWRA's Water Testing page, which includes all of our annual and monthly test results, or contact us at 617-242-5323.