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 the Borough found a water quality issue for 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 the PFAS is associated with foam used at the nearby fire training facility. The more problematic well, Well # 2, was removed from use. The other well remains in service to manage customer demand. The Borough continues to work on a solution for treatment to remove PFAS.

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 fourth quarter 2025 system average for PFOA was found to be 11.90 ppt and 36.30 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.

Fourth Quarter 2025 – Sample Results

Results DateSite #PFOA pptPFOS pptLocation/Address
10/8/20257018.029.40182 Woodhaven Dr
10/6/202570214.471.475 Chestnut Hill Road
10/8/20257038.6713.8Camp St. between 3353 W Emaus Ave & 3368 Capitol St.
10/8/20257044.667.32Miriam by Chris Dr
10/6/202570510.121.43501 Orchid Cir
10/8/202570618.594.850 White Oak Ln
10/8/202570716.261Pike Rd by 3128 S 6th St
10/8/202570811.138.14302 David Drive - Salem Ridge
10/8/20257099.716.293461 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.

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