Water Quality Updates – PFAS

Emmaus Consecutive Division

Water Purchased from the Borough of Emmaus Has Levels of Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS)/ Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) Above Drinking Water Standards

Lehigh County Authority (LCA) purchases all water for its Emmaus Consecutive Division customers from the Borough of Emmaus. In December 2021, LCA learned that the Borough had identified a water quality issue affecting two of the five water supply wells they operate. The wells exceeded the maximum contaminant levels allowed for Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS)/ Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), also known as PFAS. The Borough investigated and found that the PFAS is associated with foam used at the nearby fire training facility. The more problematic well, Well # 2, was taken out of service. The other well remains in service to manage customer demand.

LCA conducts quarterly sampling for these contaminants at locations within our distribution system. This approach started in the second quarter of 2024 and will help to provide sampling results to keep customers informed. Some samples exceeded the current Pennsylvania standard, or maximum contaminant level (MCL) for PFOS and/or PFOA. Compliance with the drinking water MCL is based on the running annual average (RAA) of the four most recent quarters of test results.

Sample results are in parts per trillion or ppt, equivalent to one drop in 20 Olympic-sized swimming pools. The MCL for PFOA is 14 parts per trillion (ppt) and for PFOS is 18 parts per trillion (ppt).

Sample Results

The second quarter 2026 system average for PFOA was found to be 11.34 ppt and 31.02 ppt for PFOS. Although the system average for PFOA is below the MCL, individual results may be higher or lower at any given time due to the mix of water supplies being used. The results displayed in the table below provide the individual sample results and distribution system locations.

First Quarter 2026 – Sample Results

Results DateSite #PFOA pptPFOS pptLocation/Address
4/28/20267017.386.73182 Woodhaven Dr
4/28/202670216.572.675 Chestnut Hill Road
4/28/20267037.714.8Camp St. between 3353 W Emaus Ave & 3368 Capitol St.
4/28/20267047.757.05Miriam by Chris Dr
4/28/202670510.216.23501 Orchid Cir
4/28/202670615.569.150 White Oak Ln
4/28/202670713.447.5Pike Rd by 3128 S 6th St
4/28/20267088.5711.74302 David Drive - Salem Ridge
4/28/202670911.64.993461 S Cedar Crest Blvd, Lutheran Church

The Borough of Emmaus is working with DEP on a treatment solution to remove PFOS and PFOA from the water supply, which is under construction. It is expected to be completed in early summer of 2026.

Resources & Additional Information

Learn more on the PFAS Information & Resources page
View the Emmaus Consecutive Division on the Interactive Map
Read background information about the Emmaus PFOA/PFOS issue
Read more about this issue on the Borough of Emmaus website

Learn about Point of Use Devices Certified to Reduce PFAS

Many types of water filters are available, but not all filters reduce PFAS. If you choose to use a filter, make sure it is certified to reduce PFAS in drinking water.

Customer Notifications

November 2023 customer notification
June 2024 customer notification
September 2024 customer notification
November 2024 customer notification
March 2025 customer notification
June 2025 customer notification
September 2025 customer notification
November 2025 customer notification
March 2026 customer notification
May 2026 customer notification