Littleton Common Tap Water Quality Report
Littleton Common's water has 4 contaminants above EPA MCLGs. We recommend using a certified water filter.
Utility
LITTLETON WATER DEPARTMENT
People Served
9,334
MCL Violations
0
Last Updated
Is Littleton Common Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Littleton Common's water has 4 contaminants above EPA health-based guidelines. We strongly recommend using a certified water filter to reduce exposure to these contaminants. Check our filter recommendations below for NSF-certified options that can remove the specific contaminants found in Littleton Common's water.
The data below shows test results from LITTLETON WATER DEPARTMENT, which serves 9,334 people in the Littleton Common area. Water quality testing is conducted regularly and reported to the EPA. This report was last updated 2023-09-12.
Littleton Common Water Quality Test Results
Key Water Quality Metrics
Contaminants Detected
⚠️ Contaminants Above EPA MCLG (4)
Perfluorooctanoic acid
What is Perfluorooctanoic acid?
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a synthetic chemical that belongs to a group of chemicals known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). It is used in various industrial applications and consumer products for its water- and grease-resistant properties.
Health Effects
Exposure to PFOA has been linked to several health issues, including developmental effects in fetuses, increased cholesterol levels, liver damage, thyroid disease, and certain types of cancer.
Affected Organs
Common Sources
Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid
What is Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid?
Part of a class of synthetic compounds known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) widely used to make products more resistant to stains, water, and grease. It is found in fabrics, fire-fighting foams, cleaning products, hydraulic fluids, metal plating, and paper. Although PFOS production has been phased out in the US, exposure is still a major concern due to its high degree of persistence in the environment and in the body as well as the use of legacy products and imported goods. Many adverse health effects have been linked to PFOS exposure, including developmental, liver, and immunological problems and increased cancer risk. EPA has found that there is suggestive evidence that PFOS is a human carcinogen.
Health Effects
As with many PFAS compounds, research into the health effects of PFOS is rapidly evolving. Epidemiological studies have shown associations between elevated PFOS levels and increased total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ('bad cholesterol') as well as immune toxicity (decreased antibody response). Animal studies indicate that PFOS exposure is related to adverse developmental effects, liver toxicity, immune toxicity, and an increased risk of liver and pancreatic cancer.
Affected Organs
Common Sources
Gross Alpha Activity
What is Gross Alpha Activity?
Gross alpha activity measures the total amount of radioactivity in a water sample emitted by decaying alpha-emitting elements, notably radioactive isotopes of uranium, radium, and radon. Alpha emitters are used to treat cancer, as an eliminator of static in paper mills and in other products like smoke detectors. Radioactive atoms release high energy alpha particles that pull electrons off of the atoms in cells. This process is called ionizing radiation, and may lead to harmful changes in cells and tissues. The toxicity of an alpha emitter depends on the amount of energy it releases and how organ systems respond to that energy. Exposure to elevated gross alpha activity is associated with increased cancer risk and genotoxicity, but toxicity to individual systems is dependent on the type of alpha emitter present.
Health Effects
Drinking water standards for gross alpha activity have been developed based on increased cancer risk associated with alpha radioactivity. Alpha radiation has been shown to produce DNA changes (genotoxicity) in laboratory studies.
Affected Organs
Common Sources
Radon
What is Radon?
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas. Radon may be used in detecting seismic activity, radiography, radiation therapy, and calibrating radon monitoring devices. Radon and its breakdown products emit alpha, beta, and gamma particles that may be harmful to health. In fact, radon is the most significant source of human exposure to radiation. It is readily volatile, thus all routes of exposure (ingestion, inhalation and dermal) are relevant if one is exposed via drinking water. Elevated levels of radon in drinking water may lead to an increased risk of lung cancer due to the potential of radon gas formation. States have widely varying acceptable radon levels (300-10,000 pCi/L), but generally treatment is recommended at levels greater than 10,000 pCi/L.
Health Effects
Radon and its breakdown products release high energy particles called alpha, beta, and gamma rays responsible for its health effects. Radon has been associated with genotoxicity and an increased risk of lung cancer based on evidence from epidemiological, occupational, and animal studies.
Affected Organs
Common Sources
Understanding the Data
This data comes from your local water utility testing. The bar charts compare detected levels against EPA's Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG). Contaminants above the MCLG are shown by default and may require filtration. All other tested contaminants are within safe levels and can be viewed by expanding the section above.
Recommended Water Filters for Littleton Common
Based on Littleton Common's water quality data, these NSF-certified filters are recommended to remove contaminants above EPA MCLGs.
Whirlpool Corporation
W11256135
NSF Certified:
Capacity
1001 gal
Filter Life
3 mo
Flow Rate
0.7 gpm
Removes 19 contaminants:
1,2 Dichlorobenzene, 1,4 Dichlorobenzene, 2,4-D, Asbestos, Atrazine +14 more
Whirlpool Corporation
W11569861
NSF Certified:
Capacity
1001 gal
Filter Life
3 mo
Flow Rate
0.52 gpm
Removes 22 contaminants:
1,2 Dichlorobenzene, 1,2,4 Trichlorobenzene, 1,4 Dichlorobenzene, 2,4-D, Asbestos +17 more
iSpring Water Systems LLC
RCC7
NSF Certified:
Daily Production
21.04 gpd
Removes 1 contaminants:
Total Dissolved Solids
iSpring Water Systems LLC
RCC7-BLK
NSF Certified:
Daily Production
25.41 gpd
Removes 9 contaminants:
Asbestos, Barium, Cadmium, Chromium (Total), Copper +4 more
Verify Your Water Quality with Independent Testing
With 4 contaminants above EPA health guidelines, independent laboratory testing provides a second opinion and can track changes over time.
SimpleLab
Advanced Home Water Test
$369
Most comprehensive home water test including all standard tests plus additional parameters for ultimate peace of mind.
SimpleLab
Standard Home Water Test
$232
Comprehensive water analysis testing over 200 contaminants including bacteria, heavy metals, and chemical compounds.
Tap Score
PFAS Forever Chemicals Test
$239
Specialized test for PFOA, PFOS, and 24 other forever chemicals. Essential for areas near military bases, airports, or industrial sites.
Frequently Asked Questions About Littleton Common Tap Water
Littleton Common's water has 4 contaminants above EPA MCLGs. We strongly recommend using a certified water filter to reduce exposure to these contaminants. Check our filter recommendations below for NSF-certified options that can remove the specific contaminants found in Littleton Common's water.