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PFAS

PFHpA in Connecticut Drinking Water

PFHpA has been detected in water systems serving 6,377 ZIP codes nationwide. Here is what you need to know about pfhpa in your drinking water and how it may affect your household.

What Is PFHpA?

PFHpA (perfluoroheptanoic acid) is a seven-carbon PFAS compound found in drinking water as a result of industrial discharge, firefighting foam use, and degradation of longer-chain PFAS chemicals. No EPA maximum contaminant level has been established for PFHpA. As a mid-chain PFAS, it persists in the environment indefinitely and is associated with liver effects, hormone disruption, and immune system suppression.

Is PFHpA in Your Water?

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

Check Your ZIP Code

Health Effects of PFHpA

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 PFHpA Come From?

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

How to Reduce PFHpA in Your Water

  1. 1Install a reverse osmosis system certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 58 for broad PFAS reduction, which is effective against mid-chain compounds like PFHpA.
  2. 2Use an activated carbon block filter certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 with PFAS listed on the performance sheet; mid-chain PFAS are moderately well adsorbed by carbon.
  3. 3Ion exchange resin systems designed for PFAS removal can supplement or replace carbon filtration for whole-house treatment of PFHpA and related compounds.
  4. 4Test your water using EPA Method 533 before and after installing filtration to confirm PFHpA removal, as treatment effectiveness varies by PFAS chain length.

Who Is Most Vulnerable to PFHpA?

The safe level of pfhpa 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 PFHpA in my tap water?
PFHpA has been detected in water systems across 6,377 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 PFHpA 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 PFHpA from my water?
Install a reverse osmosis system certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 58 for broad PFAS reduction, which is effective against mid-chain compounds like PFHpA. Use an activated carbon block filter certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 with PFAS listed on the performance sheet; mid-chain PFAS are moderately well adsorbed by carbon. For a personalized consultation, contact Valiant Energy Solutions at (475) 557-5107.

Related Contaminants

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View all contaminants in Connecticut water

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