CheckPFAS

ZIP Code 19605

High Risk
High Risk PFAS Risk Level

PFAS above EPA limits detected

3 compounds exceed EPA Maximum Contaminant Levels in water serving this ZIP code. Standard pitcher filters like Brita do not remove PFAS. See filter recommendations below.

18
PFAS Detected
3
Above EPA Limits
3
Water Systems
288%
Highest % of MCL

Compounds Exceeding EPA Limits

PFOS Exceeds EPA limit
0 ppt MCL: 4 ppt 288% of limit
Detected: 11.50 ppt
PFOA Exceeds EPA limit
0 ppt MCL: 4 ppt 220% of limit
Detected: 8.80 ppt

What this means for you

One or more PFAS compounds were measured above the EPA's enforceable drinking water limit at a utility serving ZIP 19605. The EPA set these limits because long-term exposure at higher concentrations is associated with health effects including immune suppression, thyroid changes, and cancer risk increases. Standard pitcher filters (Brita, PUR) are not certified to remove PFAS. The most reliable at-home options are under-sink reverse osmosis systems or activated carbon block filters with an NSF/ANSI 58 certification specifically listing PFOA/PFOS reduction. Your water utility is required to bring levels into compliance by 2029 — filtering at the tap is the practical interim step if you'd like additional protection now.

MAIDENCREEK TWP WATER AUTH

PA3060012 Low Level
Water Type
Groundwater
PFAS Detected
3
Above MCL
0
State
Pennsylvania
Data Period
2023–2025

PFAS Test Results

CompoundDetectedvs. EPA LimitEPA LimitStatus
lithium
19900.00pptNo federal limitUnregulated
PFHxA
Perfluorohexanoic acid
3.40pptNo federal limitUnregulated
PFPeA
Perfluoropentanoic acid
3.00pptNo federal limitUnregulated

MUHLENBERG TWP MUNI AUTH

PA3060038 High Risk
Water Type
Groundwater
PFAS Detected
10
Above MCL
2
State
Pennsylvania
Data Period
2023–2025

PFAS Test Results

CompoundDetectedvs. EPA LimitEPA LimitStatus
PFOS
Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid
11.50ppt
288% of limit
4 ppt⚠ Exceeds MCL
PFOA
Perfluorooctanoic acid
8.80ppt
220% of limit
4 ppt⚠ Exceeds MCL
PFNA
Perfluorononanoic acid
4.30ppt
43% of limit
10 pptBelow limit
PFHxS
Perfluorohexane sulfonic acid
4.30ppt
43% of limit
10 pptBelow limit
lithium
10300.00pptNo federal limitUnregulated
PFPeA
Perfluoropentanoic acid
16.00pptNo federal limitUnregulated
PFHxA
Perfluorohexanoic acid
15.60pptNo federal limitUnregulated
PFBA
Perfluorobutanoic acid
6.60pptNo federal limitUnregulated
Show 2 more compounds detected at low levels
PFHpAPerfluoroheptanoic acid5.50 pptNo federal limit
PFBSPerfluorobutane sulfonic acid5.20 pptNo federal limit

READING AREA WATER AUTHORITY

PA3060059 High Risk
Water Type
Surface Water
PFAS Detected
5
Above MCL
1
State
Pennsylvania
Data Period
2023–2025

PFAS Test Results

CompoundDetectedvs. EPA LimitEPA LimitStatus
PFOA
Perfluorooctanoic acid
6.60ppt
165% of limit
4 ppt⚠ Exceeds MCL
PFBS
Perfluorobutane sulfonic acid
5.60pptNo federal limitUnregulated
PFPeA
Perfluoropentanoic acid
5.40pptNo federal limitUnregulated
PFHxA
Perfluorohexanoic acid
4.40pptNo federal limitUnregulated
PFHpA
Perfluoroheptanoic acid
3.00pptNo federal limitUnregulated
Note: ZIP code 19605 is served by 3 separate water utilities. Results above show data for each system independently.
About this data
Source
EPA UCMR 5 (Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule, 5th cycle)
Data released
January 2026
Sampling period
January 2023 – December 2025
Systems tested
~10,000 public water systems serving > 25 people
Water systems (PWSID)
PA3060012, PA3060038, PA3060059
Detection threshold (MRL)
~1.5–2 ppt — "Not detected" means below this floor, not zero

Values shown are the highest single-sample concentration measured at entry points to the distribution system. Results reflect water quality at the treatment plant — aging pipes, building plumbing, and on-site storage can affect what actually reaches your tap.