Skip to content
PFAS

PFHxA in Connecticut Drinking Water

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

What Is PFHxA?

PFHxA (perfluorohexanoic acid) is a six-carbon short-chain PFAS compound commonly detected in water supplies near industrial and military sites. It enters water through firefighting foam residues, industrial discharge, and degradation of longer-chain PFAS products. No EPA maximum contaminant level has been set. It is environmentally persistent and associated with liver effects, kidney changes, and potential developmental harm.

Is PFHxA in Your Water?

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

Check Your ZIP Code

Health Effects of PFHxA

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 PFHxA Come From?

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

How to Reduce PFHxA in Your Water

  1. 1Install a reverse osmosis system certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 58, which effectively removes PFHxA and other short-to-mid-chain PFAS from drinking water.
  2. 2Use an activated carbon block filter certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 for PFAS reduction; PFHxA as a six-carbon compound has moderate affinity for carbon media.
  3. 3Ion exchange resin systems designed for PFAS removal can supplement carbon filtration for PFHxA at whole-house treatment volumes.
  4. 4Test water using EPA Method 533 to detect PFHxA and verify your filtration system performance every 6 to 12 months.

Who Is Most Vulnerable to PFHxA?

The safe level of pfhxa 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 PFHxA in my tap water?
PFHxA 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 PFHxA 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 PFHxA from my water?
Install a reverse osmosis system certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 58, which effectively removes PFHxA and other short-to-mid-chain PFAS from drinking water. Use an activated carbon block filter certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 for PFAS reduction; PFHxA as a six-carbon compound has moderate affinity for carbon media. For a personalized consultation, contact Valiant Energy Solutions at (475) 557-5107.

Related Contaminants

Check Water Quality by ZIP Code

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