Yes, at low levels. 2 PFAS were detected, all below EPA's 2024 limits.
Also detected, no federal limit: PFBS, PFPeA.
Southwest/polk County Utility is a public water system drawing on groundwater, based in Winter Haven, Florida, serving about 39,209 people, including Lakeland, Bartow, Mulberry. Under EPA's Fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule it was tested for 29 PFAS and lithium 4 times across 2 sampling points between May 2023 and Sep 2025.
| PFAS | Detected | Highest | Worst point avg | EPA limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFBS Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid |
1 of 3 | 6.3 ppt | 6.3 ppt | none |
| PFPeA Perfluoropentanoic acid |
1 of 3 | 3.2 ppt | 3.2 ppt | none |
Not detected: PFHpS, PFPeS, PFHpA, NFDHA, PFHxS, PFNA, PFOS, PFDA, PFHxA, PFUnA, PFTrDA, NEtFOSAA, PFEESA, PFOA, NMeFOSAA, PFTA, ADONA, PFDoA, PFMBA, 9Cl-PF3ONS, HFPO-DA, PFBA, 6:2 FTS, 4:2 FTS, 8:2 FTS, PFMPA, 11Cl-PF3OUdS.
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.
Levels here are under EPA's limits, so no treatment is required. If you want them lower anyway, a certified reverse osmosis system under the sink handles drinking water, and a whole-house carbon filter also takes out the chlorine or chloramine your utility adds.
All 409 tested systems in Florida
33811 33812 33813 33830 33860
As reported by the utility to EPA. Neighbouring ZIPs are often split between systems; your water bill names yours.
Well & Tap. "PFAS in Southwest/polk County Utility water: EPA UCMR 5 results." Data: U.S. EPA Fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule, final release August 2026, PWSID FL6530852. https://wellandtap.com/pfas/florida/southwest-polk-county-utility/
Source: U.S. EPA, UCMR 5 occurrence data, final release August 2026 (PWSID FL6530852). Population: EPA SDWIS. Averages count results below the reporting level as zero, the same convention EPA uses for running annual averages. Full method.
