Based on EPA UCMR5 monitoring data, EPA SDWIS federal violations records, and EWG Tap Water Database published findings.
EPA UCMR5 monitoring data identifies this system among the highest PFAS-detected water utilities in the southeastern United States, per publicly available federal records. Publicly documented EPA regional assessments identify PFAS source patterns consistent with those associated with aviation operations, firefighting chemical applications, and related federal land uses in the region. HAVEN presents this data as published in federal records. Reverse osmosis filtration is strongly recommended — do not drink unfiltered tap water from this system without certified point-of-use treatment.
Water source: Groundwater (Sand-and-Gravel Aquifer)
Water utility: Emerald Coast Utilities Authority
Detected at approximately 14.2 ppt per EPA monitoring data — above the EPA's 4 ppt maximum contaminant level (effective 2026). Reverse osmosis or AquaTru filtration removes 99%+ of PFAS compounds.
The EPA's new maximum contaminant level (MCL) for PFAS is 4 ppt, effective 2026. PFAS compounds have been linked to cancer, thyroid disease, immune disruption, and developmental issues at chronic exposure levels per peer-reviewed research.
The following contaminants have been detected or are associated with elevated risk in this water system, per available EPA and EWG published data:
These detections are drawn from EPA SDWIS federal violations database and EWG Tap Water Database records. EWG health guidelines are stricter than EPA legal limits and reflect long-term exposure risk.
EPA SDWIS records show 3 health-based violation(s) and 0 lead action-level violation(s) in the past 5 years at this utility. Violations reflect the legal threshold; actual health risk at sub-violation levels is addressed by EWG health guidelines used in HAVEN's scoring.
Reverse osmosis filtration is strongly recommended. AquaTru Carafe ($149) or APEC ROES-50 under-sink RO ($250) remove essentially all documented contaminants in this system. Standard pitcher filters are NOT sufficient for this risk level.
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