PFOA + PFOS in U.S. Drinking Water
Health-based violation data for PFOA + PFOS from EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). Covers all community water systems with violations on record.
PFOA + PFOS has been found in violation of EPA standards in 32 water systems across 4 states, with 258 total health-based violations recorded. The most affected states are California, Colorado, Illinois.
PFOA + PFOS is regulated under the EPA Safe Drinking Water Act, which sets enforceable Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) and associated treatment technique requirements for public water systems. The EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) tracks every recorded violation nationwide and links it back to the specific public water system (PWSID), violation type, and begin date.
Across the United States, SDWIS records show 258 health-based violations for PFOA + PFOS affecting 32 community water systems in 4 states. Violation counts cluster heaviest in California, Colorado, Illinois, with California alone accounting for 139 violations across 16 systems. EPA health-effect summaries describe the specific exposure concerns that drove the federal standard.
A health-based violation does not mean residents were necessarily harmed, it means the contaminant exceeded the federal MCL in a compliance sample, triggering notification and remediation requirements. States and utilities maintain primary enforcement responsibility. To check the status of a specific water system, request its most recent Consumer Confidence Report or consult the EPA's Drinking Water Watch portal for the corresponding state.
What are the health effects of this contaminant?
PFOA and PFOS are per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), sometimes called "forever chemicals." Exposure is linked to cancer, thyroid disruption, immune system effects, and developmental problems in children. They accumulate in the body and the environment over time.
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Consult your doctor for personalized health guidance U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Consult your doctor for personalized health guidance
Violations by State
States ranked by number of health-based violations for PFOA + PFOS.
| # | State | Violations | Systems Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | 139 | 16 |
| 2 | Colorado | 42 | 1 |
| 3 | Illinois | 25 | 4 |
| 4 | Louisiana | 4 | 1 |
Most Affected Water Systems
Top 50 water systems by number of PFOA + PFOS health-based violations.
| Water System | State | Violations |
|---|---|---|
| COUNTRY ACRES MHP (LA SALLE COUNTY) | CO | 42 |
| TWO TWENTY FOUR MOBILE HOME PK | CA | 29 |
| SIERRA LINDA MUTUAL WATER CO | CA | 22 |
| OAKVALE PARK | CA | 18 |
| FCWWD 40 - SHAVER SPRINGS | CA | 16 |
| SHADY OAKS MOBILE HOME PARK LLC | CA | 16 |
| DES PLAINES MHP | IL | 16 |
| INDIAN HILLS CAMP | CA | 11 |
| MD 07 MARINA VIEW HEIGHTS | CA | 7 |
| MD 46 AHWAHNEE RESORTS | CA | 6 |
| COAL CITY | IL | 6 |
| BROUILLETTE WATER SYSTEM INC | LA | 4 |
| SKY ACRES MUTUAL WATER CORP | CA | 3 |
| KNOLL ENTERPRISES | CA | 3 |
| PINE CREEK VILLAGE | CA | 2 |
| CSA 70 W-3 HACIENDA | CA | 2 |
| SENECA MOBILE HOMES LLC | IL | 2 |
| PIKE RANCH MUTUAL WATER CO | CA | 1 |
| MD 42 STILL MEADOW | CA | 1 |
| MARQUEZ RENTAL | CA | 1 |
| RANCHO SANTA TERESA MW CO. | CA | 1 |
| MAPLE PARK | IL | 1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PFOA + PFOS in my water?
PFOA + PFOS has been detected in violation of EPA health standards in 32 water systems across 4 states. To check your specific utility, look up your annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) - water systems are required to disclose all violations.
How many water systems have PFOA + PFOS violations?
EPA SDWIS records show 32 community water systems with health-based PFOA + PFOS violations, totaling 258 violations. These represent cases where the contaminant exceeded the EPA Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL).
Which states have the most PFOA + PFOS violations?
The states with the most PFOA + PFOS violations are: California (139 violations), Colorado (42 violations), Illinois (25 violations), Louisiana (4 violations).
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About This Data
Violation data is from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). Only health-based violations are shown, these include Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) and Treatment Technique (TT) violations. Monitoring and reporting violations are excluded. Data may not reflect the most current enforcement actions.
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, SDWIS Federal Reporting Services U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, SDWIS Federal Reporting Services
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.