Researchers conducting the first broadscale test for so-called PFAS in private and public water supplies found the so-called forever chemicals in 45 percent of the nation’s tap water, said the U.S. Geological Survey on Wednesday. The agency said PFAS were far more likely to be detected in tap water in urban areas than in rural America.
There are more than 1,200 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, used in a wide variety of products, from nonstick cookware to firefighting foam. The USGS study tested for 32 types of the substances.
“The study estimates that at least one type of PFAS — of those that were monitored — could be present in nearly half of the tap water in the United States,” said Kelly Smalling, a USGS research hydrologist and the lead author of the study. “Furthermore, PFAS concentrations were similar between public supplies and private wells.”
According to the USGS, its results were in line with previous research indicating that urban residents are more likely to be exposed to PFAS. “USGS scientists estimate that the probability of PFAS not being observed in tap water is about 75 percent in rural areas and around 25 percent in urban areas.”
In March, the Environmental Protection Agency proposed “maximum contaminant levels” for six types of PFAS in drinking water. Public water systems would be required to monitor for PFAS, notify the public of PFAS levels, and reduce the level of PFAS in drinking water if they exceed the proposed standards.
PFAS are called forever chemicals because they degrade very slowly and persist in the environment.
The USGS study was available here.