PFAS in San Antonio Water — What the 2024 SAWS Data Shows

The EPA's UCMR5 national monitoring program (2023–2025) tested over 6,000 water systems across the US for PFAS forever chemicals. San Antonio Water System (SAWS, PWSID TX2150001) was among those tested. Here's exactly what was found, what it means for your health, and what you can do about it.

For PFAS levels alongside hardness, radium, and the full safety grade, see our San Antonio water quality report.

What PFAS Were Found in San Antonio Water?

PFBA is not currently regulated under the EPA's April 2024 PFAS rule, which covers six specific compounds. However, it is part of the broader PFAS family of over 12,000 synthetic chemicals. The science on PFBA's long-term health effects is less developed than for PFOA and PFOS, but it belongs to the same class of persistent chemicals.

How Do San Antonio's PFAS Levels Compare?

PFBA at 15 ppt puts San Antonio in the middle range nationally — below cities with serious PFAS contamination (some public water systems show PFAS above 100 ppt) but well above the most conservative health guidelines:

• EPA MCL (PFOA/PFOS): 4 ppt — PFBA is not currently subject to this limit
• EWG health guideline: 1 ppt — SA's 15 ppt exceeds this by 15×
• National average detected PFAS: ~4–8 ppt in systems where PFAS was found

For context: cities like Parkersburg, WV, Portsmouth, NH, and parts of Michigan have seen PFAS levels exceeding 100–500 ppt. San Antonio's level is moderate, but still above what independent scientists consider health-protective.

What Are the Health Risks of PFAS in Drinking Water?

PFAS are called "forever chemicals" because they accumulate in the body and environment rather than breaking down. Peer-reviewed research links long-term PFAS exposure to:

• Increased risk of certain cancers (kidney, testicular)
• Thyroid hormone disruption
• Reduced vaccine response in children
• High cholesterol and cardiovascular effects
• Pregnancy complications and low birth weight

Does SAWS Treat for PFAS?

SAWS has not implemented full-scale PFAS treatment as of 2025. The detected level (PFBA at 15 ppt) is below the compounds covered by the EPA's April 2024 rule, so SAWS is not currently required to treat for it. This may change as EPA expands PFAS regulation to include short-chain compounds.

In the meantime, point-of-use filtration at your tap is the most reliable way to reduce PFAS in your drinking water regardless of what the public water system does upstream.

What Filters Remove PFAS from San Antonio Water?

The short answer: only reverse osmosis and NSF P473-certified carbon filters. Standard pitcher filters, refrigerator filters, boiling, and water softeners do not remove PFAS.

1. Reverse Osmosis (Most Effective)

NSF 58-certified RO systems remove 94–99%+ of PFAS by forcing water through a membrane with pores smaller than PFAS molecules. For San Antonio, RO also removes radium, arsenic, hardness minerals, and sodium — making it the most comprehensive solution for SA's full contaminant profile.

2. NSF P473-Certified Carbon Filters

High-capacity carbon block filters certified to NSF P473 (specifically for PFOA/PFOS) or NSF 244 can remove significant PFAS through adsorption. The Clearly Filtered pitcher is independently certified to remove 99%+ of PFAS and requires no installation — best option for renters.

What Does NOT Work for PFAS

San Antonio PFAS: Bottom Line

Frequently Asked Questions

Does San Antonio tap water have PFAS?

Yes. EPA UCMR5 monitoring (2023–2025) detected PFBA at 15 ppt in SAWS water. PFBA is a short-chain PFAS compound. It is below the EPA's current MCL for the six regulated PFAS but above EWG's health guideline.

Is the PFAS level in San Antonio water dangerous?

The detected level (15 ppt) is below the EPA's legally enforceable limits. However, independent health scientists consider any detectable PFAS a concern with long-term exposure, especially for children and pregnant women. The EPA's own health goal (MCLG) for PFOA and PFOS is zero.

How do I remove PFAS from San Antonio tap water?

Use a reverse osmosis system (NSF 58 certified) or a pitcher filter certified to NSF P473. RO is the most comprehensive option — it also removes SA's radium, arsenic, and hardness minerals. Renters without the ability to install under-sink systems can use the Clearly Filtered pitcher (NSF P473 certified).

Does boiling San Antonio water remove PFAS?

No. Boiling concentrates PFAS because it evaporates water while leaving the chemicals behind. The remaining water has higher PFAS concentration after boiling, not lower.

Does SAWS test for PFAS?

Yes — SAWS was included in the EPA's mandatory UCMR5 PFAS testing program (2023–2025). Results are publicly available. SAWS also conducts its own monitoring. Check the SAWS website or watercheckup.com for current data.