Does a detection mean the water is unsafe or out of compliance?

No. UCMR 5 is monitoring data and does not indicate compliance or noncompliance with any drinking-water standard. It reports the highest single detected result at the entry point, which is information you can act on by testing your own tap and choosing a certified filter.

PFAS detected in Virginia water systems

Q: Which Virginia water systems had PFAS detected in EPA UCMR 5?

EPA UCMR 5 detected PFOA or PFOS at or above 6 parts per trillion in 8 large Virginia public water systems (each serving more than 10,000 people). Select a system to see the specific PFAS and highest levels detected.

EPA UCMR 5 monitoring (2023–2025) detected PFOA or PFOS at or above 6 parts per trillion in these 8 large Virginia public water systems, each serving more than 10,000 people. Select a system to see exactly what was detected and the certified filters that reduce it.

Virginia systems, highest detections first

Water system	PFOA (ppt)	PFOS (ppt)	vs. 4 ppt reference
Danville, City of	9.1	—	2.3×
Western Virginia Water Authority	8.9	6.3	2.2×
Pwcsa - East	7.9	6.3	2×
Fort Belvoir	7.7	6.3	1.9×
Fairfax County Water Authority	7.4	5.7	1.9×
Fort Belvoir North Area	7.3	5.5	1.8×
Dale City	7.1	5.7	1.8×
Newport News, City of	—	6.1	1.5×

Highest single EPA UCMR 5 detections (2023–2025), in parts per trillion. The last column is the multiple of the 4 ppt federal reference level for PFOA/PFOS — shown as context only, not a compliance or health determination. — means the compound was not detected at or above 6 ppt.

Not sure what's in your own water? Test it first, then run the selector for a recommendation matched to your home, or read what PFAS is and how it's removed.