PFHxS in Connecticut Drinking Water
PFHxS has been detected in water systems serving 6,377 ZIP codes nationwide. Here is what you need to know about pfhxs in your drinking water and how it may affect your household.
What Is PFHxS?
PFHxS (perfluorohexane sulfonic acid) is a six-carbon PFAS compound used in firefighting foams, stain-resistant treatments, and industrial applications. It is one of the most persistent PFAS chemicals detected in human blood. No EPA maximum contaminant level has been established for PFHxS individually. It accumulates in the body with a half-life of several years and is linked to thyroid disruption, immune suppression, and developmental effects.
Is PFHxS in Your Water?
Enter your Connecticut ZIP code to find out if pfhxs is in your local water — and see personalized health risks for your household.
Check Your ZIP CodeHealth Effects of PFHxS
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 PFHxS Come From?
Industrial discharge, firefighting foam (AFFF), consumer products, landfill leachate, wastewater treatment plants.
How to Reduce PFHxS in Your Water
- 1Install a reverse osmosis system certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 58, which removes over 90% of PFHxS and other PFAS compounds from drinking water.
- 2Use a granular activated carbon or carbon block filter certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 with PFAS specifically listed; shorter-chain PFAS like PFHxS may require higher-quality carbon.
- 3Consider an ion exchange resin system designed for PFAS removal, which can be effective for sulfonated PFAS compounds at the whole-house level.
- 4Test your water using EPA Method 533 or 537.1 to confirm PFHxS levels before and after treatment, as shorter-chain PFAS can be harder to remove than longer-chain variants.
Who Is Most Vulnerable to PFHxS?
The safe level of pfhxs varies significantly depending on who is drinking the water. CheckYourTap calculates adjusted safe levels for each member of your household:
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 PFHxS in my tap water?▾
What level of PFHxS is safe?▾
How do I remove PFHxS from my water?▾
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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.
Last updated March 2026