Is There PFOA in Greenwich, CT Water? (ZIP 06807)

What is PFOA?

PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) is a synthetic chemical formerly used in manufacturing Teflon and other nonstick products. It enters water through industrial discharge, landfill leachate, and firefighting foam runoff. The EPA maximum contaminant level is 4 parts per trillion. PFOA does not break down in the environment or the human body and is associated with kidney cancer, liver damage, and developmental harm.

PFOA 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 typically achieves greater than 90% removal of PFOA from drinking water.

• Use a high-quality activated carbon block filter certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 with PFOA specifically listed on the performance data sheet.

• For well water users with elevated PFOA, consider a point-of-entry anion exchange system designed for PFAS compounds, which can treat all water entering the home.

• Retest your water every 6 to 12 months using EPA Method 533 or 537.1 to monitor PFOA levels and confirm your filtration system continues to perform effectively.

How Greenwich compares

Across Connecticut, PFOA is detected in 78 of the communities we track, and is above a limit or standard in 78. In Greenwich (06807), it was found in 64% of samples, above the EPA limit in 58% of samples.

Other contaminants of concern in Greenwich (06807)

See the full Greenwich water quality report →