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PFAS

PFHpS in Connecticut Drinking Water

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

What Is PFHpS?

PFHpS (perfluoroheptane sulfonic acid) is a seven-carbon PFAS compound found in water supplies near sites impacted by firefighting foam and industrial PFAS use. It enters water through groundwater contamination, landfill leachate, and wastewater discharge. No EPA maximum contaminant level exists for PFHpS. It is persistent in the environment and human body, and is associated with liver toxicity, thyroid disruption, and immune effects.

Is PFHpS in Your Water?

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

Check Your ZIP Code

Health Effects of PFHpS

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 PFHpS Come From?

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

How to Reduce PFHpS in Your Water

  1. 1Install a reverse osmosis system certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 58, which effectively removes sulfonated PFAS compounds like PFHpS from drinking water.
  2. 2Use an activated carbon block filter certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 for PFAS reduction; mid-chain sulfonated PFAS adsorb reasonably well onto carbon media.
  3. 3Consider an ion exchange resin system specifically designed for PFAS, which has high affinity for sulfonated compounds and can serve as whole-house treatment.
  4. 4Test water using EPA Method 533 or 537.1 to confirm PFHpS concentrations before and after treatment installation.

Who Is Most Vulnerable to PFHpS?

The safe level of pfhps 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 PFHpS in my tap water?
PFHpS 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 PFHpS 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 PFHpS from my water?
Install a reverse osmosis system certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 58, which effectively removes sulfonated PFAS compounds like PFHpS from drinking water. Use an activated carbon block filter certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 for PFAS reduction; mid-chain sulfonated PFAS adsorb reasonably well onto carbon media. 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