Some. At least one sample reached an EPA limit, but the average at every sampling point stayed below it.
Also detected, no federal limit: PFHxA, PFPeA.
Lowell Regional Water Utility is a public water system drawing on surface water, based in Lowell, Massachusetts, serving about 120,418 people, including Dracut, Lowell. Under EPA's Fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule it was tested for 29 PFAS and lithium 4 times across 1 sampling point between Mar 2023 and Dec 2023.
| PFAS | Detected | Highest | Worst point avg | EPA limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFOA Perfluorooctanoic acid |
1 of 4 | 4.6 ppt | 1.1 ppt | 4 ppt |
| PFHxA Perfluorohexanoic acid |
1 of 4 | 4.0 ppt | 1.0 ppt | none |
| PFPeA Perfluoropentanoic acid |
1 of 4 | 3.9 ppt | 1.0 ppt | none |
Not detected: NEtFOSAA, PFOS, PFNA, PFHxS, PFDA, PFDoA, PFUnA, 11Cl-PF3OUdS, 9Cl-PF3ONS, ADONA, HFPO-DA, PFBA, NMeFOSAA, PFBS, PFTrDA, PFTA, 4:2 FTS, 8:2 FTS, PFMPA, PFMBA, PFEESA, NFDHA, PFPeS, PFHpS, PFHpA, 6:2 FTS.
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 263 tested systems in Massachusetts
01826 01850 01851 01852 01853 01854
As reported by the utility to EPA. Neighbouring ZIPs are often split between systems; your water bill names yours.
Well & Tap. "PFAS in Lowell Regional Water Utility water: EPA UCMR 5 results." Data: U.S. EPA Fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule, final release August 2026, PWSID MA3160000. https://wellandtap.com/pfas/massachusetts/lowell-regional-water-utility/
Source: U.S. EPA, UCMR 5 occurrence data, final release August 2026 (PWSID MA3160000). Population: EPA SDWIS. Averages count results below the reporting level as zero, the same convention EPA uses for running annual averages. Full method.
