Is There PFOS in Norwalk, CT Water? (ZIP 06850)
Yes. PFOS has been detected in the public water serving Norwalk, CT (ZIP 06850) in 20% of samples — above the EPA limit in 20% of samples.
Federal legal limits and stricter health guidelines are not the same — enter your household below for a report on what this means for the specific people in your home.
What is PFOS?
PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonic acid) is a synthetic fluorinated compound used historically in firefighting foams, stain repellents, and industrial coatings. It persists indefinitely in the environment, earning PFAS chemicals the name "forever chemicals." The EPA maximum contaminant level is 4 parts per trillion. PFOS accumulates in the body and is linked to cancer, thyroid disease, and immune suppression.
Who is most at risk in Norwalk?
PFOS 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.
How to remove PFOS from your water
Install a reverse osmosis system certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 58, which removes over 90% of PFOS from drinking water at the point of use.
Use a granular activated carbon (GAC) filter or carbon block filter rated for PFAS removal; look for NSF/ANSI Standard 53 certification specifically listing PFOS.
Consider a whole-house ion exchange resin system designed for PFAS if contamination levels are elevated, as these resins have high adsorption capacity for sulfonated compounds.
Test your water through a laboratory offering EPA Method 533 or 537.1 analysis to confirm PFOS levels before and after treatment to verify filter performance.
See what PFOS means for your household
Get a free report personalized to the people in your home — infants, pregnancy, children, elderly, and pets.
Check 06850 Water NowHow Norwalk compares
Across Connecticut, PFOS is detected in 73 of the communities we track, and is above a limit or standard in 73. In Norwalk (06850), it was found in 20% of samples, above the EPA limit in 20% of samples.
PFOS in nearby Connecticut towns:
Other contaminants of concern in Norwalk (06850)
Last updated July 2026.