PFAS

Suffolk County Water Authority

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Full Compliance Reached Early

SCWA has already achieved full compliance with the EPA’s National Primary Drinking Water Regulations, years ahead of the federal deadline.

What are PFAS?

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are man-made chemicals used globally in consumer and industrial products since the 1940s. Known as "forever chemicals" because they do not break down in the environment, they have made their way into groundwater supplies across the nation.

The EPA and NYS Department of Health monitor PFAS because long-term exposure may lead to health effects including increased cholesterol levels, changes in liver enzymes, and impacts on the immune system. SCWA treats these findings with the utmost priority, targeting zero-detection as our operational goal.

Advanced Laboratory Testing

The Suffolk County Water Authority maintains rigorous testing standards to ensure we are detecting PFAS.

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  • SCWA’s state-of-the-art laboratory is one of the most advanced in the world.
  • SCWA can detect PFAS at levels as low as 2 Parts Per Trillion (PPT).
  • SCWA tests before, during and after treatment for PFAS to ensure we are meeting our high standards of water quality.

The Treatment Solution

We utilize Granular Activated Carbon (GAC)—the "Gold Standard" for PFAS removal. Water passes through large vessels containing activated carbon, which acts as a molecular magnet to trap PFAS compounds before water is sent to your tap. Testing done after GAC treatment generally shows PFAS to be non-detectable.

SCWA GAC Treatment Vessels
Above: Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) vessels at an SCWA pump station.

How We Treat Your Water

EXTRACTION PUMP LABORATORY TESTING GAC TREATMENT VESSELS POST-TESTING DELIVERY
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Step 1
Extraction

Raw water is pumped from the deep aquifer beneath Long Island to a treatment facility.

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Step 2
Detection

Our laboratory analyzes the sample. If trace amounts of PFAS are detected, the water is flagged for treatment.

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Step 3
GAC Filtration

Water is pushed *through* the Granular Activated Carbon vessels, acting as a molecular magnet to trap PFAS.

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Step 4
Verification & Delivery

Post-treatment testing generally confirms PFAS levels are non-detectable before high quality water is sent to your tap.

Want to see your results? Go here to look up your address and see the specific quality data for your home. Use our My Water Quality Tool→

Official Resources