Specialty filtration / Tampa Bay
PFAS Water Treatment in Tampa Bay
PFAS turn up in several Tampa Bay water systems at a few parts per trillion, and the EPA's limit for the two best-studied compounds is 4.0. We show you what your own utility has published, explain what reduces PFAS at home, and tell you plainly when you don't need to act.
- 260+Installs in our first year
- 10+Years of experience
- 5.0Google rating
Family-owned and Florida-based. Zach tests your water personally and explains what the numbers mean before recommending anything. No contracts, no high-pressure scripts.
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The short answer
Is there PFAS in Tampa Bay tap water?
Yes, at low levels in several systems. In EPA-required sampling, the City of Tampa's main plant found PFOS from 4.0 to 6.9 parts per trillion in 2023. Pasco County's Southeast plant found 7.4 to 8.1, and Tampa Bay Water's regional results ran from not detected to 5.0. The EPA's limit for PFOA and PFOS is 4.0 parts per trillion, judged on a running annual average, with compliance due by 2029. A single sample above 4.0 is not a violation. If you want to reduce PFAS at your own tap in the meantime, reverse osmosis is the most common home option.
What are PFAS?
PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a family of thousands of man-made chemicals. They resist heat, water and grease, which is why manufacturers used them for decades.
Hernando County's water quality report lists some of the uses: firefighting foam, textiles, metal plating, semiconductors, paper and food packaging, cleaning products, pesticides and personal care products.
The same stability that made them useful means they break down very slowly, which is where the nickname forever chemicals comes from. Once PFAS reach groundwater or a river, they stay.
Where does the federal PFAS rule stand in 2026?
The 2024 limits still stand. In April 2024 the EPA set enforceable limits of 4.0 parts per trillion each for PFOA and PFOS, and gave utilities until 2029 to comply.
In May 2026 the EPA proposed two changes. One would let a water system request two more years, to 2031, and the other would remove the separate limits for PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA (known as GenX) and a combined Hazard Index.
Public comment on both closed in July 2026, and neither was final when we last checked. The 2024 rule is also being challenged in federal appeals court.
For your household, the practical point holds either way: the limit for the two most-studied PFAS is 4.0 parts per trillion, and several local systems have reported single results above it.
What reduces PFAS at home?
Reverse osmosis, activated carbon and ion exchange. The EPA names those three technologies and describes high-pressure membranes such as reverse osmosis as extremely effective.
For most homes, that means a reverse osmosis system under the kitchen sink. It treats the water you drink and cook with, and it also reduces nitrate, arsenic and dissolved minerals. With a qualifying whole-home installation, we include it at no charge.
Whole-house carbon and ion exchange systems can reduce PFAS too, but they need media chosen and sized for PFAS and changed on a schedule that matches your water. If you are considering one, we will tell you honestly whether it makes sense for your home.
How can you tell what a filter is certified to do?
Read its NSF/ANSI listing. Home filters for PFAS are certified under two standards: 53 for carbon and anion exchange, and 58 for reverse osmosis.
In 2022 NSF added a total PFAS claim with a combined limit of 20 parts per trillion. The EPA points out that current certifications do not yet show a filter removing PFAS down to its new 4.0 limit.
So read the product listing, not the box, and look for the specific PFOA, PFOS or total PFAS reduction claim.
What won't reduce PFAS?
Boiling, for a start. The EPA says PFAS cannot be removed by heating or boiling water.
A pitcher or refrigerator filter is only as good as its certification. Some carry a PFOA and PFOS claim under NSF/ANSI 53, and many carry nothing beyond taste and odor. If yours doesn't list PFAS, assume it doesn't reduce them.
How does ClearQuest handle PFAS questions?
We start with your utility's published results, because they already tell you a lot. Then we test what we can at your sink, explain what the numbers mean, and recommend the smallest step that meets your goal.
Often the bigger day-to-day issue turns out to be hard water or a chlorine taste. When it is, we say so, and point you to city water treatment instead of selling you a PFAS package you don't need.
Matched to this problem
How we reduce PFAS at home
Most PFAS questions end with one of these three. Your utility's data and your goals decide which, if any.
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Reverse osmosis
A membrane system under the kitchen sink on its own faucet. The EPA describes reverse osmosis as extremely effective at removing PFAS.
Best for drinking, cooking, ice and baby formula
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Certified lab testing
Documented results from a state-certified laboratory, for when you need numbers from your own tap. Ask us which panel fits your question first.
Best for real estate, lenders and PFAS questions
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Dual-media city water treatment
Softening and carbon for the whole house. It is not a PFAS system, but it solves the hardness and chlorine problems that often matter more day to day.
Best for homes with scale and a chlorine taste
Why homeowners here choose us
A family-owned team, not a franchise script
Zach and Abby Brownell started ClearQuest in 2023 after a decade inside the franchise model. Everything below is the part they changed.
Your water gets tested first
Zach runs the test himself and explains what each number means before anyone talks about equipment.
Sized for Florida water
Systems are tuned to your hardness, your flow rate and your household size, not to a catalog default.
Repair before replace
If a tune-up beats a new system, we say so. That answer has cost us sales and earned us referrals.
260+ installs in year one
Across Pasco, Hillsborough, Pinellas and Hernando County, at a 5.0-star Google rating.
No contracts, no subscriptions
You buy a system, not a payment plan. Nothing renews, and nothing locks you in.
Covered by Tampa Bay 28
Tampa Bay 28 named us as the company that installed a Pasco County family's new water softener system after another contractor left them with orange water.
“Zach was on time, very professional, and informative. We are very satisfied with our new well water treatment system.”
“I am so happy to have this company service my water softener system. They are fair, responsive & are never pushy with upselling or replacements. Highly recommend!”
“Zach with ClearQuest was very professional and gave real advice based on your needs and didn’t try to upsell you. The work was completed within days of purchase.”
“From the quote to installation, ClearQuest was amazing! My water is finally soft, no more itchy showers!”
“Cannot speak highly enough Zach’s work! His knowledge and expertise is just phenomenal. Grateful to have such a reliable guy in the community”
“Zach is professional and honest. He came and fixed my softener and installed an RO system.”
“Excellent service! Zack responded very quickly and was able to schedule my appointment for a day and time that worked well for me. He was professional, courteous, and charged a fair market price for the work. He took the time to explain everything clearly, including what was wrong and what needed to be repaired. Zack completed the repair the same day, even though he had to leave to get an additional part and then return to finish the job. I really appreciated the extra effort. He did quality work, was very clean and respectful of my home, and made the entire process easy. I’m very pleased with the service and would definitely recommend Zack to anyone needing water softener repair.”
“Abby was very kind and flexible. She was able to get Zach to come over same day to test our water and give us a quote. We had our water softener/conditioner installed within 2 weeks. Zach was super knowledgeable and most importantly, honest. He did not try to upsell me things my house didn’t need and have very honor recommendations. Pricing was fair. Highly recommend this company. Abby and Zach are a great duo to work with!”
“Very knowledgeable, responsive and thorough. A pleasure to work with. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!”
“Communication was excellent, Abby is so kind and on it the minute you message with any questions/scheduling. Zach was also incredibly nice not a pushy sales guy when he came to test our water and go over what we were wanting which at the end of the day is what made us go with Clearquest! Love being able to support a smaller company who has good honest intentions with their service. Highly recommend!”
“We are very satisfied with clear quest water solutions , from the beginning , the communication was great. The installation was very neat and clean. They stand by there products, we had a small issue with a defective tank and they took care of it very quickly. They are a family business, and they take care of you like one. It was a pleasure doing business with them.”
“I needed a repair on an existing water softener that had be installed a few years ago by another company that is no longer in service. Other companies I called wanted to sell me a complete new system and said they couldn't repair anything they didn't install. Clear quest came out and replaced the control panel, serviced the unit and never tried to upsell me something I didn't need.”
“I have been SO pleased with my experience with ClearQuest! Zach is kind and so helpful if any issues arise, and Abby is equally as kind and an absolute pleasure to work and coordinate with. They are both trustworthy, which is hard to find nowadays. I would recommend ClearQuest to anyone who asks!”
“ClearQuest is hands down the best company I have dealt with for my water softening/filtration woes. Abby and Zach provide outstanding service at a reasonable price. They are friendly, knowledgeable, and are extremely responsive. I have found my “go to” company!”
“Thank you ClearQuest! I reached out to Zach for some information on county water and what his opinion was, his thorough explanation and a free water test sold me! It’s amazing how much of a difference a great system makes! Will be referring ClearQuest to all of my peers!”
“I had a great experience with ClearQuest Water Solutions. Scheduling was incredibly prompt, and the communication was top-notch from the start. He diagnosed and fixed our water softener issues efficiently, taking the extra time to ensure everything was running perfectly before leaving and coming back to follow up. Truly professional service and I highly recommend!”
“Great experience. Took care of problem. Very honest. Highly recommend this company!!”
“Customer service was next to none! Our water softener unit was not working properly and Zach came to inspect it. He determined that the carbon media was beginning to deteriorate, allowing carbon fines to enter and destroy the internal seals and components. Instead of immediately trying to sell me a new system, he repaired what he could and will continue to monitor our water to see if the repair will last. He sent a detailed summary of his visit and and top of that he did not even charge a service fee for coming out. Highly recommend ClearQuest Water Solutions!”
“The entire process and experience was amazing. From the coordination, quick response to the water test to the system recommendations options and installation was flawless. Abby and Zack took the time to explain everything a designed a system that has far exceeded any expectations. The system installed is nearly maintenance free, and has turned the stinky, highly mineralized hard well water into pleasant drinking and soft water. I can not recommend this locally owned company enough!”
“I had a fabulous experience with ClearQuest Water Solutions! Zach was professional and prompt from the initial assessment through final installation. I recommend this company to anyone needing water softening systems. Great service all around!”
“Abby was amazing to work with, she helped with answering all my questions and was super patient. Zach came to do the water test, explained the process, and answered any concerns I had. When he came to install, he did a phenomenal job with keeping everything clean and took the time to make sure it was done right.”
“As a homeowner in New Tampa, I’m so happy I chose ClearQuest Water Solutions. If you’re in the New Tampa area and need a water softener or water treatment system, I highly recommend them. My water feels so much better immediately”
“Getting this water treatment system installed was one of the easiest things we've ever done. We are very pleased with every bit of the process. I recommend ClearQuest Water Solutions wholeheartedly.”
“I highly recommend Zach at ClearQuest Water Solutions. He was prompt, friendly, and professional. He replaced my entire water softener/treatment system and even added a few extras. Great job!”
“Zack is awesome! He’s responsive, honest, timely and takes the time to explain how the water softener system works so that you can understand it. Great personality too!”
“I cannot recommend ClearQuest Water Solutions enough! From scheduling to install, everything was top notch. Zach and his team go above and beyond to make sure their customers are taken care of!”
Matched to this problem
Recent installs, photographed on the day we finished
Whole house / Softener and brine tank
Drinking water / Dedicated RO faucet
Drinking water / RO faucet, marble counter
Whole house / Twin stainless carbon tanks
Local knowledge
PFAS results from Tampa Bay water systems
Every figure here comes from the EPA's UCMR 5 study, which had larger utilities sample for PFAS between 2023 and 2025, as published by each utility.
City of Tampa, Tippin treatment plant, 2023: PFOS 4.0 to 6.9 parts per trillion, PFOA not detected to 4.6. The city says it plans to build a suspended ion exchange treatment facility.
Tampa Bay Water, 16 regional delivery points, July 2023 to April 2024: PFOS not detected to 5.0, PFOA not detected to 3.2, and a Hazard Index of 0 throughout.
Pasco County Utilities: six of eight sampling points found none of the six regulated PFAS. The Southeast plant found PFOS from 7.4 to 8.1.
Hernando County Utilities: the West system averaged 2.53 for PFOS in 2024, with a highest single result of 8.6. The East system averaged 3.58 in 2025, with a highest of 16.0.
Sources City of Tampa UCMR 5 results / Tampa Bay Water / Pasco County Utilities / Hernando County 2025 reports
Living with the system
What ownership actually looks like
Every 6 to 12 months
Sediment and carbon stages
The pre-filters catch sediment and chlorine before they reach the RO membrane. Change them on schedule and the membrane keeps doing its job for years.
When flow slows
The membrane
A slower trickle from the RO faucet usually means the membrane is due. It is the part doing the PFAS reduction, so replace it rather than living with it.
Every July
Your utility's new report
Utilities publish their annual water quality reports by July 1. Look for the unregulated contaminants table and compare it with last year's.
Before you buy
Advice we give every homeowner
Look up the certification
RO systems are certified under NSF/ANSI 58 and carbon filters under 53. Check the product listing for a PFOA, PFOS or total PFAS claim.
Boiling will not help
The EPA says PFAS cannot be removed by heating or boiling water. Boiling kills bacteria. For PFAS, you need filtration.
Be wary of on-the-spot demos
PFAS are measured in parts per trillion by certified laboratories. An in-home demo that claims to show PFAS in minutes is selling, not testing.
Ask what a certification covers
The EPA notes that current filter certifications do not yet show removal down to its new 4.0 limit. Ask for the listed reduction numbers.
Service areas
Where we install PFAS filtration
We install reverse osmosis across Pasco, Hillsborough, Pinellas and Hernando County.
- Tampa
- Lutz
- Wesley Chapel
- Land O' Lakes
- New Tampa
- Odessa
- Trinity
- Zephyrhills
- New Port Richey
- Brandon
- St. Petersburg
- Clearwater
- Dade City
- Spring Hill
Questions we get asked
PFAS water FAQ
Straight answers about PFAS in Tampa Bay water. Anything else, call (813) 729-2125.
Are PFAS in Tampa Bay drinking water?
At low levels, yes. EPA-required sampling found PFOS from 4.0 to 6.9 parts per trillion at the City of Tampa's main plant in 2023 and from not detected to 5.0 across Tampa Bay Water's delivery points. Your utility's annual report lists its own results.
Is Tampa Bay water safe to drink?
Public water systems here are held to federal standards and publish their results every year. The EPA's 4.0 parts per trillion limits for PFOA and PFOS take effect in 2029 and are judged on annual averages. Reducing PFAS at home now is a precaution some families choose.
What kind of filter removes PFAS?
The EPA names activated carbon, ion exchange and reverse osmosis, and describes reverse osmosis as extremely effective. For a home, an under-sink RO system is the most common choice. Check the product's NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 listing for a PFAS claim.
Can I test my own water for PFAS?
Not with a test strip or an on-the-spot kit. PFAS are measured in parts per trillion and need a certified laboratory. Start with your utility's report, then ask us whether a lab test is worth it for your household.
Does boiling water get rid of PFAS?
No. The EPA says PFAS cannot be removed by heating or boiling water. Boiling kills bacteria, but it does nothing to PFAS. Filtration, such as reverse osmosis, is the practical option at home.
What did EPA UCMR 5 testing find in Pasco County?
Pasco County Utilities found none of the six regulated PFAS at six of its eight sampling points. The Southeast Water Treatment Plant found PFOS from 7.4 to 8.1 parts per trillion. The combined Hazard Index was 0.00 at every point.
Keep reading
Related pages
Service
Reverse osmosis systems
How an under-sink RO system works, what it removes, and what ownership looks like.
Service
Certified lab testing
State-certified analysis when you need documented results from your own kitchen tap.
Guide
Is Tampa tap water safe?
The City of Tampa's own 2026 data, contaminant by contaminant, in plain English.
Byline: Zach Brownell, ClearQuest Water Solutions. 10+ years installing and servicing water systems across Tampa Bay.
Licensed and insured · 26246 Wesley Chapel Blvd Suite #37, Lutz, FL 33559 ·
Want a straight answer about PFAS?
Book your free water test. We walk you through your utility's PFAS results, test what we can at your sink, and tell you whether filtration is worth it.