Also detected, no federal limit: PFHxA.
Is there PFAS in Shaw Afb (sc4310501) water?
Yes. EPA's final UCMR 5 results show Shaw Afb (sc4310501) averaged 18.0 ppt of PFHxS at its worst sampling point, 1.8 times the EPA limit of 10 ppt.
Shaw Afb (sc4310501) is a public water system drawing on groundwater, based in Shaw Afb, South Carolina, serving about 10,000 people. Under EPA's Fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule it was tested for 29 PFAS and lithium 8 times across 4 sampling points between May 2025 and Dec 2025.
Every PFAS detected
| PFAS | Detected | Highest | Worst point avg | EPA limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFHxS Perfluorohexanesulfonic acid |
5 of 8 | 19.0 ppt | 18.0 ppt | 10 ppt |
| PFOS Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid |
2 of 8 | 6.2 ppt | 5.2 ppt | 4 ppt |
| PFOA Perfluorooctanoic acid |
1 of 8 | 6.1 ppt | 3.1 ppt | 4 ppt |
| PFHxA Perfluorohexanoic acid |
2 of 8 | 4.5 ppt | 4.1 ppt | none |
Not detected: PFBA, 11Cl-PF3OUdS, PFUnA, PFDoA, PFDA, 9Cl-PF3ONS, PFNA, NMeFOSAA, PFHpA, PFBS, NEtFOSAA, 4:2 FTS, PFTrDA, PFTA, PFEESA, ADONA, PFHpS, NFDHA, PFMBA, PFPeA, PFMPA, 8:2 FTS, 6:2 FTS, HFPO-DA, PFPeS.
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 South Carolina
- Pickens Wtp (3910001) none detected
- Winnsboro Town of (2010001) above an EPA limit
- Gilbert-summit WD (3220001) none detected
- Tega Cay City of (sc4610008) 2 PFAS detected
- Ocean Lakes Ltd (2660048) 3 PFAS detected
- Starr-iva W/d (sc0420005) 3 PFAS detected
All 165 tested systems in South Carolina
ZIP codes served
29152
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 Shaw Afb (sc4310501) water: EPA UCMR 5 results." Data: U.S. EPA Fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule, final release August 2026, PWSID SC4310501. https://wellandtap.com/pfas/south-carolina/shaw-afb-sc4310501/
About this data
Source: U.S. EPA, UCMR 5 occurrence data, final release August 2026 (PWSID SC4310501). Population: EPA SDWIS. Averages count results below the reporting level as zero, the same convention EPA uses for running annual averages. Full method.