Some. At least one sample reached an EPA limit, but the average at every sampling point stayed below it.
Fairhope Water System (city Of) is a public water system drawing on groundwater, based in Fairhope, Alabama, serving about 59,850 people. Under EPA's Fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule it was tested for 29 PFAS and lithium 12 times across 1 sampling point between Mar 2025 and Sep 2025.
| PFAS | Detected | Highest | Worst point avg | EPA limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFOS Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid |
2 of 12 | 15.0 ppt | 2.3 ppt | 4 ppt |
| PFOA Perfluorooctanoic acid |
2 of 12 | 5.7 ppt | 0.9 ppt | 4 ppt |
Not detected: PFUnA, PFBA, PFTA, PFBS, PFHpA, PFHxS, PFNA, PFDA, PFHxA, 11Cl-PF3OUdS, 9Cl-PF3ONS, PFDoA, HFPO-DA, NFDHA, PFTrDA, NEtFOSAA, NMeFOSAA, ADONA, PFPeS, 6:2 FTS, PFEESA, PFMBA, PFPeA, PFMPA, 8:2 FTS, 4:2 FTS, PFHpS.
Lithium, tested in the same program: not detected.
In April 2024 EPA set enforceable limits of 4 ppt for PFOA and PFOS, 10 ppt each for PFHxS, PFNA and GenX, and a hazard index of 1 for mixtures. Utilities were given until 2029 to comply. In May 2026 EPA proposed keeping only the PFOA and PFOS limits and moving that deadline to 2031. Until that proposal is final, the 2024 limits stand.
Compliance is judged on a running annual average at each entry point, so we show the average at this system's worst sampling point next to its single highest result. UCMR 5 results do not by themselves put a utility in or out of compliance.
Two routes work for PFAS. For drinking and cooking water only, a reverse osmosis system certified to NSF/ANSI 58 with a PFOA/PFOS reduction claim is the cheapest proven option. To treat every tap and shower, a whole-house carbon system with enough contact time works, but check that the maker has PFAS test data, not just a marketing claim. See the best filters for PFAS and how PFAS removal works.
All 307 tested systems in Alabama
36532
As reported by the utility to EPA. Neighbouring ZIPs are often split between systems; your water bill names yours.
Well & Tap. "PFAS in Fairhope Water System (city Of) water: EPA UCMR 5 results." Data: U.S. EPA Fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule, final release August 2026, PWSID AL0000035. https://wellandtap.com/pfas/alabama/fairhope-water-system-city-of/
Source: U.S. EPA, UCMR 5 occurrence data, final release August 2026 (PWSID AL0000035). Population: EPA SDWIS. Averages count results below the reporting level as zero, the same convention EPA uses for running annual averages. Full method.
