PFAS Water Contamination Map: How to Check Your Area

The first time I typed my zip code into a PFAS water contamination map, I sat there staring at a little colored dot for a good five minutes. It’s a strange feeling to learn that the water you’ve been making your kids’ oatmeal with has a lab report attached to it.

The good news is that this data is public now, and it’s easier to look up than it has ever been. Here’s where to find it, how to make sense of what you see, and what to do if your area shows up.

If you’re new to all this, our state-by-state list of PFAS in tap water is a good companion to this guide.

Where the map data comes from

Most PFAS maps pull from the EPA’s fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule, usually shortened to UCMR 5. Under it, public water systems have been testing for 29 different PFAS chemicals (plus lithium). The EPA releases the results in batches, and by its August 2025 update, PFAS had been detected at 3,309 sites, based on results from about 75% of participating community water systems (Water Conditioning & Purification).

That’s a lot of dots on a map.

The two maps worth bookmarking

EWG’s PFAS Contamination Map. The Environmental Working Group keeps an interactive map that combines the EPA testing data with known contamination sites like military bases and industrial plants. It’s the most user-friendly option. Zoom in on your town and click a dot to see which chemicals were found and at what levels.

The EPA’s UCMR 5 Data Finder. This one is less pretty but goes straight to the source. You can search by state or water system name and see the actual test results your utility reported.

Your utility’s annual Consumer Confidence Report (sometimes called a water quality report) is the third place to look. It usually comes in the mail or sits on the utility’s website, and newer ones often include PFAS numbers.

How to read what you find

A few things tripped me up the first time, so here’s what helps:

• Look at the units. PFAS levels are measured in parts per trillion (ppt). That sounds tiny, and it is, but these chemicals build up in the body over years.
• Compare to 4 ppt. In 2024 the EPA set a drinking water limit of 4 ppt each for PFOA and PFOS. The agency has since moved to give utilities more time to comply, but 4 ppt is still a useful yardstick for your own decisions.
• A detection isn’t a violation. UCMR 5 results show what’s in the water, not whether your utility is breaking the law. Plenty of systems with detections are still within today’s rules.
• No dot doesn’t mean no PFAS. Private wells aren’t covered, smaller systems may not be included yet, and only certain PFAS are tested.

If you’re on a private well, the maps won’t help you much. Our guide to removing PFAS from well water walks through testing and treatment for wells.

If your area shows PFAS, here’s what to do

Seeing your town on the map is unsettling, but you have more control here than you might think.

Test your own tap. Map data is a snapshot of your water system, not your kitchen faucet. A mail-in lab test tells you what’s actually coming out of your tap. The SimpleLab Tap Score Professional PFAS Water Test uses EPA lab methods and gives you a clear report. It isn’t cheap, but it’s the most direct answer you can get. We also cover more options in our certified lab testing guide.

Filter your drinking and cooking water. You don’t need to filter the whole house to make a big difference. Under-sink systems treat the water you actually drink. The Aquasana 2-Stage Under Sink Water Filter (AQ-5200) is certified to reduce PFOA and PFOS and fits under most kitchen sinks without a plumber. If you want the strongest option, look at reverse osmosis, which removes 90 to 99% of PFAS.

Renting or on a budget? A certified pitcher works too. The Clearly Filtered 10-Cup Water Filter Pitcher is tested to reduce PFAS and is one of the few pitchers I’d trust for this. Just change the filter on schedule.

Ask your utility what’s next. Utilities with high readings usually have treatment plans. A quick call or email can tell you whether a carbon or ion exchange system is coming and when.

For a side-by-side look at filters, see our PFAS water filter roundup, or search the PFAS Free Life Database for products we’ve checked.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find a PFAS water contamination map for my area?

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has a free interactive PFAS contamination map that shows test results by location. The EPA also publishes its UCMR 5 data through an online data finder where you can search by state or water system. Your utility’s annual water quality report is another good source.

What PFAS level in drinking water is considered safe?

In 2024 the EPA set enforceable limits of 4 parts per trillion each for PFOA and PFOS. Many health advocates argue that lower is better, since PFAS build up in the body over time. If your water tests above 4 ppt for either chemical, filtering your drinking water is a reasonable step.

My town isn’t on the PFAS map. Does that mean my water is safe?

Not necessarily. Private wells aren’t included, some smaller water systems haven’t reported yet, and testing only covers certain PFAS chemicals. The only way to know what is in your own tap water is to test it with a certified lab.

*Research reference: Water Conditioning & Purification 2025

EWG PFAS Contamination Map*