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PFAS

PFTA in Connecticut Drinking Water

PFTA has been detected in water systems serving 6,166 ZIP codes nationwide. Here is what you need to know about pfta in your drinking water and how it may affect your household.

What Is PFTA?

PFTA (perfluorotetradecanoic acid) is a fourteen-carbon long-chain PFAS compound found in drinking water due to industrial discharge and environmental persistence of fluorinated chemicals. No EPA maximum contaminant level has been set for PFTA. As one of the longest-chain PFAS detected in water, it is highly persistent in the environment and the human body, with associations to cancer, immune dysfunction, and liver effects.

Is PFTA in Your Water?

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

Check Your ZIP Code

Health Effects of PFTA

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 PFTA Come From?

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

How to Reduce PFTA in Your Water

  1. 1Install a reverse osmosis system certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 58, which is highly effective at removing long-chain PFAS compounds like PFTA.
  2. 2Use an activated carbon block filter certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 for PFAS reduction; long-chain PFAS compounds adsorb strongly onto carbon media.
  3. 3Anion exchange resins designed for PFAS removal are effective for PFTA and can provide whole-house treatment at the point of entry.
  4. 4Test your water using EPA Method 533 or 537.1 to confirm PFTA levels and verify filter performance on a regular schedule.

Who Is Most Vulnerable to PFTA?

The safe level of pfta 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 PFTA in my tap water?
PFTA has been detected in water systems across 6,166 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 PFTA 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 PFTA from my water?
Install a reverse osmosis system certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 58, which is highly effective at removing long-chain PFAS compounds like PFTA. Use an activated carbon block filter certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 for PFAS reduction; long-chain PFAS compounds adsorb strongly onto carbon media. 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