Water system
Pala North
What this means for you
- Is it safe to drink right now?
- EPA records show 4 recent health-based violations for Pala North that are not marked resolved. Check your utility’s website or bill insert for any boil-water or do-not-drink notice and follow it.
- Should I use a filter?
- Yes, we recommend considering one. Average PFOA was above the 4 ppt federal limit (compliance deadline April 2029). Unresolved health-based issues make a home filter a reasonable backup.
- What kind of filter?
- For PFAS, look for NSF/ANSI 53 (with an explicit PFOA/PFOS or total PFAS claim) or NSF/ANSI 58 reverse osmosis. See matched standards and product picks.
This is general information from public EPA data, not medical advice. Lead often comes from a home’s own pipes, so only a test of your tap can tell your exposure. If you are pregnant, caring for an infant, or have a weakened immune system, ask your doctor or health department.
PFAS (“forever chemicals”), EPA UCMR 5
| Chemical | Highest location average | Highest single sample | Federal limit | Detections/samples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFBS | 11.5 ppt | 12 ppt | none | 5/8 |
| PFOA | 5.7 ppt | 6.1 ppt | 4 ppt | 2/8 |
| PFHxA | 7.1 ppt | 7.2 ppt | none | 3/8 |
| PFPeA | 22 ppt | 23 ppt | none | 4/8 |
4 PFAS tested and not detected
PFNA, PFHxS, HFPO-DA, PFOS (8 samples each, below EPA minimum reporting levels).
Hazard Index (PFHxS, PFNA, GenX, PFBS): 0.01 (limit 1.0, proposed for repeal).
Averages are per sampling location across UCMR 5 samples (non-detects counted as 0), approximating the rule’s running annual average. Not an official compliance determination; PFOA/PFOS MCL compliance begins April 26, 2029.
Lithium (also tested in UCMR 5, not a PFAS; no federal limit): highest location average 11.5 ppb.
Lead and copper
Violations (last 5 years)
| Began | Type | Contaminant / rule | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-03-17 | Required treatment not done | Groundwater Rule | Unaddressed |
| 2026-03-17 | Required treatment not done | Groundwater Rule | Unaddressed |
| 2026-03-17 | Required treatment not done | Groundwater Rule | Unaddressed |
| 2026-03-17 | Required treatment not done | Groundwater Rule | Unaddressed |
| 2025-09-01 | Missed or late testing | Revised Total Coliform Rule | Resolved |
| 2025-07-01 | Contaminant above legal limit | Nitrate | Resolved |
| 2022-01-01 | Missed or late testing/reporting | Nitrate | Resolved |
Filters matched to this water
Look for filters certified (NSF, IAPMO or WQA) to these standards for the specific contaminant. Buttons open the maker’s page or an Amazon search; use “Check NSF listing” to verify a model’s claims. No affiliate links yet — grades are never sold.
PFOA
NSF/ANSI 53 (PFOA/PFOS claim)NSF/ANSI 58 (RO)Nitrate
NSF/ANSI 58 (RO)Chlorine/chloramine taste
NSF/ANSI 42Annual water quality report
Utilities must publish a Consumer Confidence Report every year by July 1. Find it on the utility’s website or ask them directly; EPA explains how.