Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance (PFAS)

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PFAS are a group of synthetic chemicals used in a wide range of consumer products and industrial applications including non-stick cookware, water-repellent clothing, stain-resistant fabrics and carpets, cosmetics, firefighting foams, electroplating, and products that resist grease, water, and oil.

PFAS can cause serious health problems, including cancer, if people are exposed to them over a long period of time. Sometimes referred to as “forever chemicals,” PFAS are an emerging contaminate of concern for drinking water systems since they are highly soluble in aquatic environments.

Hillsboro Water tests for the six PFAS regulated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These include PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, PFNA, and HFPO-DA, and mixtures containing two or more of PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA, and PFBS. As part of the EPA’s Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule 5 (UCMR 5), Hillsboro Water also collected and tested water samples for 30 unregulated contaminants, including 29 PFAS.

Current Test Results — No Detections

Green Circle with cancel symbol and says "No Detection"

PFAS contaminants were not present at detectable levels in recent water sample results. If you are interested in receiving a copy of test results, please reach out to our water quality team at WaterQuality@Hillsboro-Oregon.gov.

Detection Levels

Green Circle with cancel symbol and says "No Detection"

No Detection (Green Label)

No action required.

Detection (Yellow Label)

Detected below U.S. EPA's Minimum Action Level.
Detected below Oregon Health Authority's Health Advisory Level.
No action required.

Detection (Orange Label)

Detected below U.S. EPA's Minimum Action Level.
Detected above Oregon Health Authority's Health Advisory Level.
Action: Evaluate options to adjust drinking water treatment process to remove contaminants.

Detection (Red Label)

Detected above U.S. EPA's Minimum Action Level.
Detected above Oregon Health Authority's Health Advisory Level.
Action: Evaluate options to adjust drinking water treatment process to remove contaminants.

Past Test Results

City of Hillsboro (In-Town) Testing Date	Result
July 12, 2023	Not Detected
October 4, 2023	Not Detected
January 3, 2024	Not Detected
April 1, 2024	Not Detected
January 8, 2025	Not Detected

Cherry Grove (Upper System) Testing Date	Result
May 5, 2024	Not Detected
August 7, 2024	Not Detected
November 13, 2024	Not Detected

Reducing Risk of PFAS in Drinking Water

What is Hillsboro Water doing about PFAS?

Hillsboro Water is committed to ensuring a clean, high-quality water supply for our customers. We are dedicated to working with legislators, state and local regulators, and other drinking water utilities on how to best find, control, remove, and prevent PFAS contamination in water.

While testing completed in 2023, 2024, and 2025 did not detect PFAS above the reportable limit, staff are continually evaluating technologies and treatment options to address PFAS in drinking water.

How can the community reduce risk of PFAS?

Install In-Home Water Treatment: In-home water treatment filters containing activated carbon or reverse osmosis membranes have been shown to be effective at lowering the levels of PFAS in water.

Contaminated Fish: Avoid eating fish from waterways impacted by PFAS. You can determine which waterways are of concern by contacting your state or tribal fish advisory programs using the U.S. EPA’s list of state, territory, and tribal fish advisory contacts.

Use PFAS-Free Consumer Goods: Consider using PFAS-free products* to protect your health and reduce the amount of PFAS in circulation.

Find additional tips to reduce exposure to PFAS in drinking water on the U.S. EPA’s website.

* The product information on this website does not constitute endorsement or recommendation by City of Hillsboro. It is your responsibility to verify and investigate any products you choose to purchase.