PFAS in Public Water Supplies
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, are a class of some 15,000 chemicals characterized by an incredibly strong carbon-fluorine bond which makes them practically indestructible. They are found in a wide range of products, from non-stick pans and artificial turf fields to waterproof clothing, dental floss, pizza boxes and stain-resistant carpeting.
Developed in the 1940s, these "forever chemicals" quickly became popular with product manufacturers because of their unique properties. In the 1970s, the 3M Company, one of the primary developers of PFAS, became aware that factory workers were getting sick after exposure. Lab tests on exposed animals demonstrated that PFAS could be lethal. But those reports were hidden from the government and the public.
Because of the ubiquity and popularity of products containing PFAS, including many personal care and cosmetic products that go down the drain, PFAS have now made their way into many public water supplies.
PFAS is a serious public health problem. Independent testing of PFAS has found that the chemicals can make childhood vaccines less effective, increase rates of infectious disease, and interfere with hormones and normal development. They can cause reproductive problems, cancer, increased risk of thyroid disease, and impact fetal development. In short, they cause chaos in the human body.
Facing more than 4,000 lawsuits from towns and cities across the country claiming their public water supplies had been contaminated with PFAS, 3M reached a $10.3 billion settlement in early 2024. Under the agreement, 3M has agreed to pay out the money over 13 years to any city, county or other municipality to test for and clean up PFAS in public water supplies.
In April of 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency imposed the first federal limits on PFAS in drinking water, allowing the government to enforce limits on the levels of toxic chemicals in public water systems across the country. Under the new limits, the agency will cap levels of two types of PFAS, PFOA and PFOS, at four parts per trillion, the lowest level that most labs can measure. The EPA has said it seeks to eliminate the two chemicals from public water supplies entirely.
King County, WA, has launched a website for residents to keep them informed about PFAS and what they can do to protect themselves.
Minnesota has prohibited the sale or distribution of products that contain intentionally added PFAS effective January 1, 2025. A full ban on nonessential products containing PFAS will go into effect in 2032.
Orange County, CA, is a leader in proactively addressing the PFAS contamination in their ground water basin, and currently over 100 wells are exceeding the EPA's requirements.
Massachusetts and Connecticut have banned PFAS in firefighter gear.
Alaska is one of 14 states that have passed bills prohibiting PFAS-containing firefighter foam.
Thirteen states have enacted phase-outs of PFAS in food packaging.
Resources
Clean Water Action has information about taking action on PFAS pollution around the country.
The Environmental Protection Agency outlines their new drinking water standards.
US PIRG (Public Interest Research Group) tracks efforts to expose PFAS contamination and reports on efforts to protect communities.
PEER (Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility) has been a leader in the fight to expose PFAS and demand regulation.
The Environmental Working Group offers a PFAS digest of information including a timeline, reports, and articles on what PFAS is and how to protect yourself.
Safer States is tracking where and how PFAS is being regulated.
Consumer Notice is a consumer advocacy organization dedicated to providing reliable health and safety information and empowering consumers to assert their legal rights.
Listen to our partner Green Street News podcast episode with Dr. Kyla Bennett, Science Policy Director at Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER).