CheckPFAS

ZIP Code 27516

High Risk
High Risk PFAS Risk Level

PFAS above EPA limits detected

2 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.

4
PFAS Detected
2
Above EPA Limits
2
Water Systems
120%
Highest % of MCL

Compounds Exceeding EPA Limits

PFOS Exceeds EPA limit
0 ppt MCL: 4 ppt 120% of limit
Detected: 4.80 ppt
PFOA Exceeds EPA limit
0 ppt MCL: 4 ppt 115% of limit
Detected: 4.60 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 27516. 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.

CHATHAM CO-NORTH

NC0319126 Low Level
Water Type
Surface Water
PFAS Detected
2
Above MCL
0
State
North Carolina
Data Period
2023–2025

PFAS Test Results

CompoundDetectedvs. EPA LimitEPA LimitStatus
PFPeA
Perfluoropentanoic acid
4.80pptNo federal limitUnregulated
PFHxA
Perfluorohexanoic acid
4.60pptNo federal limitUnregulated

ORANGE WATER & SEWER AUTHORITY

NC0368010 High Risk
Water Type
Surface Water
PFAS Detected
2
Above MCL
2
State
North Carolina
Data Period
2023–2025

PFAS Test Results

CompoundDetectedvs. EPA LimitEPA LimitStatus
PFOS
Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid
4.80ppt
120% of limit
4 ppt⚠ Exceeds MCL
PFOA
Perfluorooctanoic acid
4.60ppt
115% of limit
4 ppt⚠ Exceeds MCL
Note: ZIP code 27516 is served by 2 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)
NC0319126, NC0368010
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.