Also detected, no federal limit: PFBA, PFBS, PFPeA, PFHxA.
Is there PFAS in Tuscumbia Water Works water?
Yes. EPA's final UCMR 5 results show Tuscumbia Water Works averaged 6.1 ppt of PFOS at its worst sampling point, 1.5 times the EPA limit of 4 ppt.
Tuscumbia Water Works is a public water system drawing on surface water, based in Tuscumbia, Alabama, serving about 14,400 people. Under EPA's Fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule it was tested for 29 PFAS and lithium 4 times across 1 sampling point between Jun 2024 and Mar 2025.
Every PFAS detected
| PFAS | Detected | Highest | Worst point avg | EPA limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFBA Perfluorobutanoic acid |
3 of 4 | 9.3 ppt | 6.1 ppt | none |
| PFBS Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid |
4 of 4 | 7.2 ppt | 6.5 ppt | none |
| PFOS Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid |
4 of 4 | 6.3 ppt | 6.1 ppt | 4 ppt |
| PFPeA Perfluoropentanoic acid |
3 of 4 | 5.6 ppt | 3.5 ppt | none |
| PFHxA Perfluorohexanoic acid |
3 of 4 | 5.4 ppt | 3.5 ppt | none |
| PFOA Perfluorooctanoic acid |
2 of 4 | 5.0 ppt | 2.5 ppt | 4 ppt |
| PFHxS Perfluorohexanesulfonic acid |
2 of 4 | 3.4 ppt | 1.6 ppt | 10 ppt |
Not detected: PFDA, 8:2 FTS, PFHpS, PFNA, PFHpA, PFPeS, PFTA, PFEESA, NMeFOSAA, PFMPA, NEtFOSAA, PFDoA, NFDHA, 6:2 FTS, PFTrDA, 4:2 FTS, PFMBA, HFPO-DA, ADONA, 9Cl-PF3ONS, 11Cl-PF3OUdS, PFUnA.
Lithium, tested in the same program: not detected.
What the EPA limits mean here
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.
What you can do at home
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.
Other systems in Alabama
- Pickens County Water & F. P. Authority none detected
- Jacksonville Water Works, Gas and Sewer none detected
- Walnut Hill Water Authority none detected
- Butler County Water Authority none detected
- Lincoln (city Of) 1 PFAS detected
- Loachapoka Water Authority above an EPA limit
All 307 tested systems in Alabama
ZIP codes served
35674
As reported by the utility to EPA. Neighbouring ZIPs are often split between systems; your water bill names yours.
Cite this page
Well & Tap. "PFAS in Tuscumbia Water Works water: EPA UCMR 5 results." Data: U.S. EPA Fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule, final release August 2026, PWSID AL0000331. https://wellandtap.com/pfas/alabama/tuscumbia-water-works/
About this data
Source: U.S. EPA, UCMR 5 occurrence data, final release August 2026 (PWSID AL0000331). Population: EPA SDWIS. Averages count results below the reporting level as zero, the same convention EPA uses for running annual averages. Full method.