Some. At least one sample reached an EPA limit, but the average at every sampling point stayed below it.
Also detected, no federal limit: PFBA.
Akron City Pws is a public water system drawing on surface water, based in Kent, Ohio, serving about 280,000 people, including Twinsburg, Barberton, Bath, Cuyahoga Falls, Hudson, Kent. 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 | 7.3 ppt | 1.8 ppt | 4 ppt |
| PFBA Perfluorobutanoic acid |
1 of 4 | 5.0 ppt | 1.2 ppt | none |
Not detected: ADONA, 8:2 FTS, 4:2 FTS, PFHpS, 9Cl-PF3ONS, HFPO-DA, PFMPA, 11Cl-PF3OUdS, PFPeA, PFMBA, PFEESA, PFUnA, PFPeS, PFBS, 6:2 FTS, NFDHA, PFHxA, PFDoA, PFDA, PFOS, PFNA, PFHpA, PFTrDA, NMeFOSAA, NEtFOSAA, PFTA, PFHxS.
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 347 tested systems in Ohio
44087 44203 44210 44221 44223 44236 44240 44260 44264 44278 44301 44302 44303 44304 44305 44306 44307 44308 44309 44310 44311 44312 44313 44314 44315 44316 44318 44319 44320 44321 44325 44326 44333 44334 44398
As reported by the utility to EPA. Neighbouring ZIPs are often split between systems; your water bill names yours.
Well & Tap. "PFAS in Akron City Pws water: EPA UCMR 5 results." Data: U.S. EPA Fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule, final release August 2026, PWSID OH7700011. https://wellandtap.com/pfas/ohio/akron-city-pws/
Source: U.S. EPA, UCMR 5 occurrence data, final release August 2026 (PWSID OH7700011). Population: EPA SDWIS. Averages count results below the reporting level as zero, the same convention EPA uses for running annual averages. Full method.
