The first weeks in a new home are an ideal time to establish water safety practices. PFAS contamination may exist in sources that were not disclosed during purchase or that have developed since previous testing. A systematic checklist ensures new homeowners start with current knowledge and appropriate protection.
Week 1: Gather Existing Information
Obtain the home’s previous water testing records if available. For municipal water, download the utility’s most recent Consumer Confidence Report and check the utility’s website for PFAS monitoring data. Identify the nearest potential PFAS sources — military bases, airports, industrial facilities, landfills — using EPA’s PFAS mapping tools and state environmental databases.
Month 1: Test Your Water
Commission a comprehensive PFAS water test using EPA Method 533 or 537.1 from a certified laboratory. For well water, this is essential. For municipal water, independent testing verifies utility results and identifies any distribution system issues specific to your home. Collect samples per laboratory instructions for accurate results.
Month 2: Install Filtration Based on Results
Select filtration appropriate to your test results and household composition. Households with infants, pregnant individuals, or immunocompromised members should consider precautionary filtration even if results are below regulatory MCLs. Install the system and document installation date for future maintenance scheduling.
Ongoing: Annual Monitoring
Retest your water source annually for PFAS. Test filtered water every 2 to 3 years to verify filter performance. Replace filter components on schedule. Update your filtration system if contamination levels rise or new PFAS compounds are detected. Treat water safety as an ongoing commitment rather than a one-time investment.