Is There PFBS in Chester, CT Water? (ZIP 06412)

What is PFBS?

PFBS (perfluorobutane sulfonic acid) is a four-carbon short-chain PFAS compound used as a replacement for longer-chain PFAS in industrial and consumer products. It enters water through manufacturing discharge, landfill leachate, and firefighting foam residues. No EPA maximum contaminant level exists for PFBS. Though less bioaccumulative than longer-chain PFAS, it is more mobile in water and is linked to thyroid effects and kidney changes.

PFBS matters most for infants, pregnancy — 'forever chemicals' linked to developmental and immune effects; can transfer through the placenta and breast milk. The safe level for these groups is stricter than for a healthy adult.

• Install a reverse osmosis system certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 58, which is one of the most reliable methods for removing short-chain PFAS like PFBS from drinking water.

• Use a high-quality activated carbon filter certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53; note that short-chain PFAS are harder for carbon to capture, so filter replacement may be needed more frequently.

• Consider a specialized ion exchange resin designed for short-chain PFAS, as conventional resins may have lower affinity for PFBS compared to longer-chain compounds.

• Test water using EPA Method 533 to confirm PFBS levels and monitor filter performance, as short-chain PFAS can break through carbon filters sooner than expected.

How Chester compares

Across Connecticut, PFBS is detected in 3 of the communities we track, and is above a limit or standard in 3. In Chester (06412), it was found in 27% of samples, above the EPA limit in 11% of samples.

Other contaminants of concern in Chester (06412)

See the full Chester water quality report →