Perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS)
Watertown Water & Sewer Authority
NOTE: Watertown Water & Sewer Authority purchases water from Waterbury Water Department which is required to test for perfluorobutane sulfonate (pfbs). Sample information shown below was taken by Waterbury Water Department.
Perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS) is a member of a group of perfluorinated chemicals used in many consumer products. PFOS and other perfluorinated chemicals can cause serious health effects, including cancer, endocrine disruption, accelerated puberty, liver and immune system damage, and thyroid changes. These chemicals are persistent in the environment and they accumulate in people. Click here to read more about perfluorinated chemicals.
Samples
Samples exceeding legal limit (MCL)
Samples exceeding
health guidelines
Testing results - average by year
| Year | Average result | Samples taken | Detections | Range of results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | N/A | 0 | 0 | N/A |
| 2014 | N/A | 0 | 0 | N/A |
| 2015 | N/A | 0 | 0 | N/A |
| 2016 | N/A | 0 | 0 | N/A |
| 2017 | N/A | 0 | 0 | N/A |
| 2018 | N/A | 0 | 0 | N/A |
| 2019 | N/A | 0 | 0 | N/A |
| 2020 | N/A | 0 | 0 | N/A |
| 2021 | N/A | 0 | 0 | N/A |
| 2022 | N/A | 0 | 0 | N/A |
| 2023 | ND | 5 | 0 | ND |
| 2024 | ND | 3 | 0 | ND |
ppt = parts per trillion
State, National, and Health Guidelines for Drinking Water
EWG Health Guideline: 2,000 ppt
The EWG Health Guideline of 2,000 ppt for perfluorobutane sulfonate was defined by EPA’s Human Health toxicity value. This health guideline hormone disruption and harm to fetal growth and child development.
ppt = parts per trillion
All test results
NOTE: Watertown Water & Sewer Authority purchases water from Waterbury Water Department which is required to test for perfluorobutane sulfonate (pfbs). Sample information shown below was taken by Waterbury Water Department.
| Date | Lab ID | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2023-10-06 | L2359318-02 | ND |
| 2023-10-25 | 300436573A | ND |
| 2023-10-25 | 300436576A | ND |
| 2023-10-25 | 300436577A | ND |
| 2023-12-04 | L2371209-01 | ND |
| 2024-03-04 | L2412134-01 | ND |
| 2024-06-04 | L2430719-01 | ND |