Is there PFAS in Gallia CO Rural Water Association water?
Yes. EPA's final UCMR 5 results show Gallia CO Rural Water Association averaged 7.5 ppt of PFOA at its worst sampling point, 1.9 times the EPA limit of 4 ppt.
Gallia CO Rural Water Association is a public water system drawing on groundwater, based in Gallipolis, Ohio, serving about 20,995 people, including Bidwell, Cheshire, Crown City, Gallipolis, Jackson, Oak Hill. Under EPA's Fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule it was tested for 29 PFAS and lithium 2 times across 1 sampling point between Sep 2024 and May 2025.
Every PFAS detected
| PFAS | Detected | Highest | Worst point avg | EPA limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFOA Perfluorooctanoic acid |
2 of 2 | 7.5 ppt | 7.5 ppt | 4 ppt |
Not detected: PFMBA, ADONA, HFPO-DA, PFBA, 6:2 FTS, 4:2 FTS, 8:2 FTS, 9Cl-PF3ONS, PFPeA, NEtFOSAA, PFEESA, NFDHA, PFPeS, PFHpS, PFTA, PFTrDA, NMeFOSAA, PFMPA, PFHxS, 11Cl-PF3OUdS, PFHpA, PFNA, PFOS, PFDA, PFDoA, PFHxA, PFUnA, PFBS.
Lithium, tested in the same program: highest 9.7 ppb, detected in 1 of 2 samples. EPA's health-based screening level is 10 ppb.
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 Ohio
- Lebanon City 1 PFAS detected
- Ashland City none detected
- Sidney City Pws none detected
- Muskingum County Water - Se 1 PFAS detected
- Ottawa County Regional Water District 3 PFAS detected
- Sylvania City none detected
All 347 tested systems in Ohio
ZIP codes served
45614 45620 45623 45631 45640 45656 45658 45674 45685 45686 45688 45760 45775
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 Gallia CO Rural Water Association water: EPA UCMR 5 results." Data: U.S. EPA Fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule, final release August 2026, PWSID OH2700012. https://wellandtap.com/pfas/ohio/gallia-co-rural-water-association/
About this data
Source: U.S. EPA, UCMR 5 occurrence data, final release August 2026 (PWSID OH2700012). Population: EPA SDWIS. Averages count results below the reporting level as zero, the same convention EPA uses for running annual averages. Full method.