45% of Drinking Water Samples in the United States Contain PFAS

An analysis of 716 tap-water samples revealed that 45% of drinking water samples in the United States contained at least one tested per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substance (PFAS), also called forever chemicals. The Environment International study compared levels in private-well water and the public water supply, evaluating the potential health implications.

Researchers evaluated samples from 269 private wells and 447 public supplies between 2016 and 2021. Samples were collected from all 50 states, Washington, DC, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. In addition, three locations were tested over multiple periods, including a baseline sample and samples at 0.5, 6, 12, and 24 hours. Additional samples were collected weekly for two months.

The collected samples were tested at three labs: the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) National Exposure Research Laboratory (NERI), the Colorado School of Mines (CSM), and the US Geological Survey (USGS) National Water Quality Laboratory (NWQL).

The number of PFAS in contaminated samples ranged from one to nine, with a median of two PFAS per contaminated sample. Concentrations varied from 0.348 to 346 ng/L.

Throughout the study, researchers identified 17 different PFAS; however, the most common were perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS), perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS), and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), found in approximately 15% of samples.

“Modeled results indicate that, on average, at least one PFAS is detected in about 45% of US drinking-water samples. Results also indicate that 1) detection probabilities vary spatially (8% in rural areas up to > 70% in urban areas/areas with a known history of PFAS contamination), 2) drinking-water exposures may be more common in the Great Plains, Great Lakes, Eastern Seaboard, and Central/Southern California regions, and 3) temporal variations in concentrations/detections may be limited,” noted researchers in the study.

Many healthcare professionals and public health organizations have emphasized the dangers of forever chemicals, highlighting their detrimental impact on human health. For example, an article published in May 2023 by JAMA Network Open noted that forever chemical exposure during pregnancy is linked to adverse birth outcomes.

Additionally, recent insights into PFAS’ impacts on weight highlighted that PFAS exposure may be linked to weight gain in people following a weight loss plan. PFAS has also increased the risk of thyroid disease, blood cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, and preeclampsia. The forever chemical also decreases fertility and infant birth weight.

With so many adverse health implications, public health organizations have continued to advocate for a reduction in PFAS. Recently, the EPA proposed guidelines for limiting PFAS in drinking water; however, the abundance of these chemicals in the environment may require more robust regulations and solutions.