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PFAS

ADONA in Connecticut Drinking Water

ADONA has been detected in water systems serving 6,160 ZIP codes nationwide. Here is what you need to know about adona in your drinking water and how it may affect your household.

What Is ADONA?

ADONA (4,8-dioxa-3H-perfluorononanoic acid) is a short-chain ether carboxylate PFAS compound developed as a replacement for PFOA in fluoropolymer manufacturing. It enters water through industrial discharge from facilities producing fluorinated coatings and materials. No EPA maximum contaminant level has been established. It is persistent in the environment and preliminary research associates it with liver effects and potential developmental toxicity.

Is ADONA in Your Water?

Enter your Connecticut ZIP code to find out if adona is in your local water — and see personalized health risks for your household.

Check Your ZIP Code

Health Effects of ADONA

Part of the PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) family of 'forever chemicals.' Linked to cancer, immune system harm, hormone disruption, and developmental effects. Does not break down in the environment or the human body.

Where Does ADONA Come From?

Industrial discharge, firefighting foam (AFFF), consumer products, landfill leachate, wastewater treatment plants.

How to Reduce ADONA in Your Water

  1. 1Install a reverse osmosis system certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 58, which provides effective removal of ether carboxylate PFAS compounds including ADONA.
  2. 2Use a high-quality activated carbon filter certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53; as a shorter-chain ether PFAS, ADONA may require more frequent filter changes than legacy compounds.
  3. 3Consider an ion exchange resin system designed for PFAS to supplement carbon filtration at the whole-house level.
  4. 4Test water using EPA Method 533 to confirm ADONA concentrations and verify treatment effectiveness, particularly if located near fluoropolymer manufacturing.

Who Is Most Vulnerable to ADONA?

The safe level of adona varies significantly depending on who is drinking the water. CheckYourTap calculates adjusted safe levels for each member of your household:

Infants (under 1 year)
Toddlers (1-3 years)
Children (4-11 years)
Pregnant women
Elderly (65+)
Adults
Dogs
Cats

A contaminant level that is safe for an adult may exceed guidelines for an infant by 4-8x or more. Check your ZIP code to see personalized results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ADONA in my tap water?
ADONA has been detected in water systems across 6,160 ZIP codes. Whether it's in your specific water depends on your local water system. Enter your CT ZIP code at CheckYourTap.com for a free, instant report.
What level of ADONA is safe?
The safe level depends on who is drinking the water. Health guidelines vary by source, but infants, pregnant women, and pets may need much lower levels. CheckYourTap calculates adjusted safe levels for 11 different household member types.
How do I remove ADONA from my water?
Install a reverse osmosis system certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 58, which provides effective removal of ether carboxylate PFAS compounds including ADONA. Use a high-quality activated carbon filter certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53; as a shorter-chain ether PFAS, ADONA may require more frequent filter changes than legacy compounds. For a personalized consultation, contact Valiant Energy Solutions at (475) 557-5107.

Related Contaminants

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About This Report

This water quality report is compiled from public records filed with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, state health departments, and the U.S. Geological Survey. Contaminant levels are evaluated against EPA federal standards and health-based guidelines from leading environmental and public health organizations. CheckYourTap is a service of Valiant Energy Solutions, a Connecticut water quality and energy services company established in 1930.

EPA SDWISUSGS NWISEWG Tap Water DatabaseCA OEHHA Public Health GoalsWHO Drinking Water Guidelines

Last updated March 2026