Register for PFAs Testing
PFAS are a large group of human-made chemicals that are found throughout the environment and are associated with potential health effects. The EPA has developed a comprehensive Fact Sheet with current information on PFAS for the public. To apply for free PFAS testing for your private well, complete the application form.
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Private well owners are responsible for testing their drinking water because private wells are not regulated under the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Safe Drinking water Act. Through funding provided by the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP), the Southern Nevada Health District is offering free testing for per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) testing to eligible private well owners, along with educational resources about PFAS and drinking water safety.
PFAS are a large group of human-made chemicals that are found throughout the environment and are associated with potential health effects. The EPA has developed a comprehensive Fact Sheet with current information on PFAS for the public. To apply for free PFAS testing for your private well, complete the application form.
After you register for the free PFAS testing, Health District staff will contact you to gather more information and schedule a time to test your private well. You will need to set up an account to receive your testing results.
Understanding your laboratory results can help you determine whether PFAS were detected in your well water and what the results mean. Visit the PFAS Results page for information on how to read and interpret your test results.
Yes. On April 10, 2024, the EPA finalized the National Primary Drinking Water Regulation for six PFAS. This regulation establishes enforceable drinking water standards for public water systems.
Private wells are not regulated under the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Act, so these federal drinking water standards do not apply to private wells. Private well owners are responsible for testing their drinking water.
In Nevada, additional information is available through NDEP’s PFAS Regulations. Nevada also regulates certain uses of PFAS. Since January 1, 2022, the use or release of Class B firefighting foams containing PFAS for testing or training purposes has been prohibited
PFAS have been extensively used in consumer and industrial products since the 1950s. The chemicals can migrate into the soil, water and air. PFAS can come from many sources, and we often don’t have enough information to determine the specific source or sources. Sampling for PFAS will improve our understanding of potential sources and allow for more targeted recommendations to residents on testing and treatment of PFAS.
If there are PFAS in your drinking water, then you may consider installing a home filter. A home filter could be an effective way to reduce PFAS levels. If PFAS have been measured but are below federal limits, a filter may not be useful to you. There are many water filters on the market, but not all filters address PFAS.
Several treatment technologies are effective at reducing PFAS in drinking water, including granular activated carbon (GAC), ion-exchange resins, and reverse osmosis (commonly used as point-of-use treatments in homes). When selecting a home treatment system, use the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) database to find products certified to reduce PFOA, PFOS, or Total PFAS under applicable NSF/ANSI standards.
Funding is currently not available to help private well-owners install or purchase PFAS treatment systems. If funding opportunities become available through the Health District, eligible participants will be notified.
The table below lists products certified under NSF/ANSI Standard 53 to reduce PFAS, as of June 22, 2026.
Table 4: NSF/ANSI Standard 53 Certified Filters
| Manufacturer | Filter Brand/Type | Approximate Cost |
| Amway | eSpring™ Under Counter Unit | Initial Equipment w/Filter: $1,300 Filter Replacements: $280 per filter (12 months or 1,320 gallons) |
| eSpring™ Countertop Unit Connected to Faucet | Initial Equipment w/Filter: $1,300 Filter Replacements: $280 per filter (12 months or 1,320 gallons) |
|
| Brio Water Technology | All-in-One 3-Stage Under Sink | Initial Equipment w/Filter: $150 Filter Replacements: $70 per filter (6-month use) |
| Multi-Stage 3-in-1 Amphora Under Sink | Initial Equipment w/Filter: $500 Filter Replacements: $130 per filter (12-month use) |
|
| Culligan | Pitchers/Dispensers | Initial System: $100
Filter Replacements: $20 per filter (20 gallons use) |
| LARQ | Under Sink | Initial Equipment w/Filter: $200 Filter Replacements: $80 per filter (6-months use) |
| 4Patriots | Countertop System | Initial Equipment w/Filter: $250 Filter Replacements: $80 per filter (200 gallons use) |
Yes. In addition to PFAS testing, the Health District offers free well water testing through a grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to test for other contaminants such as bacteria (coliform, E.coli and Legionella), metals (arsenic, copper, iron, lead, magnesium, manganese, sodium and zinc) and inorganic ions (chloride, fluoride, nitrate, sulfate and total dissolved solids). These programs work together to give private well users a more complete understanding of their water quality. For more information and to sign up for testing, go to https://www.southernnevadahealthdistrict.org/permits-and-regulations/well-water-testing/
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly called PFAS, are a large group of human-made chemicals used in many consumer, commercial and industrial products. They may be found in some nonstick cookware, water- and stain-resistant fabrics, food packaging and firefighting foams.
PFAS are sometimes called “forever chemicals” because many do not break down easily. They can remain in the environment and build up in people and animals over time.
How are people exposed?
People may be exposed to PFAS through contaminated:
- Drinking water
- Food, including fish and wildlife
- Soil or dust
- Air
- Consumer products and food packaging
Most people in the United States have measurable amounts of PFAS in their blood. The amount and type of exposure can vary widely.
People may be exposed to PFAS through contaminated:
- Drinking water
- Food, including fish and wildlife
- Soil or dust
- Air
- Consumer products and food packaging
Most people in the United States have measurable amounts of PFAS in their blood. The amount and type of exposure can vary widely.
Scientists are still studying the health effects of different PFAS. Research suggests that increased exposure to certain PFAS may be associated with:
- Higher cholesterol levels
- Lower antibody response to some vaccines
- Changes in liver enzymes
- Pregnancy-related high blood pressure and preeclampsia
- Small decreases in infant birth weight
- Increased risk of kidney cancer
- Increased risk of testicular cancer
Some research also suggests possible associations with thyroid disease, decreased fertility, developmental effects and other health conditions. However, the evidence for these effects is less consistent, and more research is needed.
An association does not necessarily mean that PFAS caused a particular health condition. A person’s risk depends on several factors, including the specific PFAS, the amount and length of exposure, individual sensitivity and overall health.
PFAS can be measured through a blood test. However, a blood test cannot:
- Determine whether PFAS caused a health problem
- Predict whether someone will develop a health problem
- Identify a specific treatment
- Show where or when exposure occurred
Blood testing may be helpful in certain circumstances, but it is not routinely recommended for everyone. People concerned about possible PFAS exposure should talk with their health care provider about the potential benefits and limitations of testing.
Talk with your health care provider about your exposure concerns and health history. Continue routine checkups, recommended vaccinations, prenatal care and age-appropriate health screenings.
Contact Us
Contact Information
privatewells@snhd.org
(702) 759-0660
Nevada Relay “Dial 711” (TTY)
After Hours & Public Health Emergencies
(702) 759-1000