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PFAS

PFBA in Connecticut Drinking Water

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

What Is PFBA?

PFBA (perfluorobutanoic acid) is a four-carbon short-chain PFAS compound used as a replacement for longer-chain PFAS in industrial applications. It enters water through manufacturing discharge, landfill leachate, and biosolids application. No EPA maximum contaminant level has been established. Although less bioaccumulative than longer-chain PFAS, it is highly mobile in water and associated with thyroid effects, kidney changes, and developmental concerns.

Is PFBA in Your Water?

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

Check Your ZIP Code

Health Effects of PFBA

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 PFBA Come From?

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

How to Reduce PFBA in Your Water

  1. 1Install a reverse osmosis system certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 58, which is the most reliable point-of-use method for removing ultra-short-chain PFAS like PFBA.
  2. 2Use a high-quality activated carbon filter certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53; note that PFBA is among the hardest PFAS for carbon to capture, requiring frequent media replacement.
  3. 3Consider a specialized ion exchange resin system engineered for short-chain PFAS, as conventional resins may have limited effectiveness for four-carbon compounds.
  4. 4Test water using EPA Method 533 to detect PFBA, and monitor treatment performance closely as short-chain PFAS break through filters faster than longer-chain variants.

Who Is Most Vulnerable to PFBA?

The safe level of pfba 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 PFBA in my tap water?
PFBA 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 PFBA 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 PFBA from my water?
Install a reverse osmosis system certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 58, which is the most reliable point-of-use method for removing ultra-short-chain PFAS like PFBA. Use a high-quality activated carbon filter certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53; note that PFBA is among the hardest PFAS for carbon to capture, requiring frequent media replacement. 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