Water system
Putnam Water Pollution Control Authority
C
What this means for you
- Is it safe to drink right now?
- Based on the latest EPA data, Putnam Water Pollution Control Authority has no unresolved health-based violations from the past year. Water that meets federal standards is generally considered safe to drink for most healthy people.
- Should I use a filter?
- Yes, we recommend considering one. Average PFOA was above the 4 ppt federal limit (compliance deadline April 2029).
- 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.
Summary: No health-based violations in the last 5 years; 20 monitoring/reporting violations; PFOA/PFOS average above the 4 ppt federal limit: PFOA; Lead 90th percentile below the action level (2025).
EPA data snapshot 2026Q3. Grade is TapWaterZip's own score — see methods.PFAS (“forever chemicals”), EPA UCMR 5
| Chemical | Highest location average | Highest single sample | Federal limit | Detections/samples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFHxS | 2 ppt | 4 ppt | 10 ppt (proposed repeal) | 1/10 |
| PFBS | 1.5 ppt | 3.2 ppt | none | 3/10 |
| PFPeA | 1.6 ppt | 3.1 ppt | none | 1/10 |
| PFOS | 3.8 ppt | 7.5 ppt | 4 ppt | 1/10 |
| PFOA | 7.5 ppt | 8.5 ppt | 4 ppt | 4/10 |
2 PFAS tested and not detected
PFNA, HFPO-DA (10 samples each, below EPA minimum reporting levels).
Hazard Index (PFHxS, PFNA, GenX, PFBS): 0.2 (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.
Lead and copper
Lead 90th percentile2.8 ppb2025-12-31
Current action level15 ppbLCRI lowers to 10 ppb on Nov 1, 2027
Violations (last 5 years)
| Began | Type | Contaminant / rule | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-01-01 | Missed or late testing/reporting | Carbon tetrachloride | Resolved |
| 2025-01-01 | Missed or late testing/reporting | Trichloroethylene | Resolved |
| 2025-01-01 | Missed or late testing/reporting | Ethylbenzene | Resolved |
| 2025-01-01 | Missed or late testing/reporting | 1,2-Dichloropropane | Resolved |
| 2025-01-01 | Missed or late testing/reporting | 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene | Resolved |
| 2025-01-01 | Missed or late testing/reporting | p-Dichlorobenzene | Resolved |
| 2025-01-01 | Missed or late testing/reporting | Styrene | Resolved |
| 2025-01-01 | Missed or late testing/reporting | trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene | Resolved |
| 2025-01-01 | Missed or late testing/reporting | DICHLOROMETHANE | Resolved |
| 2025-01-01 | Missed or late testing/reporting | Toluene | Resolved |
| 2025-01-01 | Missed or late testing/reporting | CHLOROBENZENE | Resolved |
| 2025-01-01 | Missed or late testing/reporting | cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene | Resolved |
| 2025-01-01 | Missed or late testing/reporting | Tetrachloroethylene | Resolved |
| 2025-01-01 | Missed or late testing/reporting | Benzene | Resolved |
| 2025-01-01 | Missed or late testing/reporting | Vinyl chloride | Resolved |
| 2025-01-01 | Missed or late testing/reporting | o-Dichlorobenzene | Resolved |
| 2025-01-01 | Missed or late testing/reporting | 1,1,2-Trichloroethane | Resolved |
| 2025-01-01 | Missed or late testing/reporting | 1,1,1-Trichloroethane | Resolved |
| 2025-01-01 | Missed or late testing/reporting | 1,2-Dichloroethane | Resolved |
| 2025-01-01 | Missed or late testing/reporting | 1,1-Dichloroethylene | Resolved |
Filters matched to this water
FILTER PICKS
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.
PFAS (other)
NSF/ANSI 58 (RO, total PFAS claim)NSF/ANSI 53 (check claim)RO system with total-PFAS claim ~$300–600
Prefer units whose NSF/ANSI 58 listing covers total PFAS or named PFAS.
Search on Amazon → Check NSF listing · Not an affiliate link · disclosure
Certified filter (check contaminant list) varies
Open the NSF listing and confirm the exact chemical before you buy.
Search on Amazon → Check NSF listing · Not an affiliate link · disclosure
PFOS
NSF/ANSI 53 (PFOA/PFOS claim)NSF/ANSI 58 (RO)Aquasana Claryum or OptimH2O (PFAS claim) ~$100–350
Aquasana under-sink lineup; must list PFOA/PFOS on the certificate — check before buying.
View on Aquasana → Check NSF listing · Not an affiliate link · disclosure
Clearly Filtered Pitcher (PFAS claim) ~$110
Pitcher option with published PFAS reduction claims; verify NSF/IAPMO listing.
View on Clearly Filtered → Check NSF listing · Not an affiliate link · disclosure
Waterdrop G3 / G3P600 RO ~$300–500
Tankless RO; RO broadly reduces nitrate, fluoride, arsenic and many PFAS — confirm the certificate lists yours.
Search on Amazon → Check NSF listing · Not an affiliate link · disclosure
PFOA
NSF/ANSI 53 (PFOA/PFOS claim)NSF/ANSI 58 (RO)Aquasana Claryum or OptimH2O (PFAS claim) ~$100–350
Aquasana under-sink lineup; must list PFOA/PFOS on the certificate — check before buying.
View on Aquasana → Check NSF listing · Not an affiliate link · disclosure
Clearly Filtered Pitcher (PFAS claim) ~$110
Pitcher option with published PFAS reduction claims; verify NSF/IAPMO listing.
View on Clearly Filtered → Check NSF listing · Not an affiliate link · disclosure
Waterdrop G3 / G3P600 RO ~$300–500
Tankless RO; RO broadly reduces nitrate, fluoride, arsenic and many PFAS — confirm the certificate lists yours.
Search on Amazon → Check NSF listing · Not an affiliate link · disclosure
Chlorine/chloramine taste
NSF/ANSI 42Aquasana Clean Water Pitcher ~$35
Pitcher for chlorine taste/odor; check the NSF/ANSI 42 listing for the exact model.
Search on Amazon → Check NSF listing · Not an affiliate link · disclosure
Brita Elite Filter ~$20–40
Common faucet/pitcher option; confirm the 42 claim on the box.
View on Brita → Check NSF listing · Not an affiliate link · disclosure
Annual 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.
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