PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are synthetic chemicals used in countless industrial and consumer products since the 1940s. Often called "forever chemicals" because they don't break down naturally in the environment or in the human body, PFAS have contaminated drinking water supplies across the United States. In 2023, the EPA established the first-ever federal drinking water limits for PFAS, but contamination levels and state responses vary significantly. Understanding your state's PFAS situation and taking steps to test your water is essential for protecting your family's health.
What Are PFAS and Why Should You Care?
PFAS are a large family of human-made chemicals with unique properties that make them useful in manufacturing but dangerous to your health. They're found in non-stick cookware, water-resistant textiles, food packaging, firefighting foam, and industrial processes. Once released into the environment, these chemicals persist indefinitely, contaminating soil and groundwater.
Research has linked PFAS exposure to serious health effects, including kidney and testicular cancer, thyroid disease, liver damage, immune suppression, and reduced vaccine effectiveness in children. The EPA's 2023 drinking water standards acknowledged these risks by setting maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for certain PFAS compounds.
Understanding the EPA's 2023 PFAS Drinking Water Standards
In June 2023, the EPA set enforceable drinking water limits for six PFAS chemicals. The federal MCLs are:
- PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid): 4.0 parts per trillion (ppt)
- PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonic acid): 4.0 ppt
- PFHxS (perfluorohexane sulfonic acid): 10 ppt
- PFNA (perfluorononanoic acid): 10 ppt
- PFHpA (perfluoroheptanoic acid): 10 ppt
- PFBS (perfluorobutane sulfonic acid): 2,000 ppt
These standards became enforceable for water systems in 2024, meaning utilities must test for these chemicals and take action if levels exceed the limits. However, the EPA only regulated six of the hundreds of known PFAS compounds, and many states have gone further with stricter standards.
Which States Have the Highest PFAS Contamination?
Northeast and Mid-Atlantic States (Highest Risk Region)
The northeastern United States has some of the highest documented PFAS contamination levels in the country. This region's industrial history, combined with military bases and airports, has created widespread contamination hotspots.
New Hampshire is among the most heavily contaminated states. Testing has detected PFAS in approximately 70 percent of the state's public water systems. The state's aquifers are particularly vulnerable because PFAS chemicals migrate easily through groundwater. Many New Hampshire communities have PFAS levels well above EPA limits.
Massachusetts has extensive PFAS contamination from military installations, airports, and historical industrial use. The state found PFAS in numerous public water supplies and has taken aggressive action with state standards stricter than federal limits. Cape Cod's water system showed severe contamination from fire training activities at Joint Base Cape Cod.
Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New York all show widespread PFAS detection, particularly near urban centers, airports, and military bases. New York identified PFAS contamination in multiple water systems, with some areas showing levels significantly above the EPA limit.
New Jersey has fought PFAS contamination for years, with widespread detection across the state's water supplies. Groundwater and surface water sources both show measurable PFAS levels. The state's proximity to industrial areas and its dense population mean continued testing and remediation efforts.
Pennsylvania has detected PFAS in multiple water systems, particularly near industrial sites and military installations. The state's Department of Environmental Protection has been actively testing water supplies.
Mid-West Industrial States
Michigan has documented PFAS contamination at several water utilities, particularly those drawing from contaminated groundwater near industrial or military sites. The state has implemented testing programs to identify affected areas.
Ohio, Illinois, and Wisconsin all show PFAS detection in various public water systems. Industrial manufacturing in these states has contributed to environmental contamination. Some communities have implemented point-of-use treatment systems to protect residents.
Military Installation Hotspots Nationwide
PFAS contamination clusters around military bases due to the widespread use of aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF) in firefighting training. States with significant military presence show elevated contamination rates, including Colorado, California, Texas, and North Carolina. Communities near air force bases, naval stations, and national guard facilities have reported PFAS levels exceeding EPA standards.
States with Stricter Standards Than the EPA
Several states have recognized that the EPA's standards may not adequately protect public health and have implemented stricter limits. These states are leading the nation in PFAS regulation:
California
California set a Primary Drinking Water Standard for PFOA and PFOS at 13 and 13 parts per trillion respectively, significantly stricter than the EPA's 4 ppt limit. The state also has standards for PFHxS at 10 ppt. California's aggressive approach reflects the state's large military presence and industrial activity.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire established state drinking water standards of 12 ppt for PFOA and PFOS, considerably tighter than federal limits. The state's high contamination rates prompted this protective measure.
Vermont
Vermont set health advisory levels at 20 ppt for PFOA and PFOS, lower than many other states. The state has also been proactive in testing and has implemented remediation strategies.
Maine
Maine established drinking water standards of 20 ppt for PFOA and PFOS. The state implemented testing programs across public water systems and is working on long-term remediation.
New Jersey
New Jersey set Maximum Contaminant Levels at 13 ppt for PFOA and 13 ppt for PFOS, and established levels for PFHxS and other PFAS. The state's proactive stance reflects ongoing contamination challenges.
Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York
These states have all implemented standards or health-based advisories stricter than the EPA's federal MCLs, recognizing that federal standards may not adequately protect vulnerable populations.
Military and Industrial Contamination Hotspots by Region
Northeast Bases
Joint Base Cape Cod in Massachusetts, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Maine, and numerous Army National Guard facilities across the region have released PFAS-containing firefighting foam into surrounding groundwater. Communities near these installations face elevated contamination risks.
Florida
Florida's numerous military installations, including naval bases and air force training sites, have led to PFAS detection in surrounding communities. The state's sandy geology allows chemicals to penetrate aquifers rapidly, creating widespread contamination.
Colorado
Colorado Springs, home to multiple military installations and airports, faces significant PFAS contamination from historical AFFF use. Several water systems have detected levels exceeding EPA standards.
Texas
Texas has military bases and industrial areas that contribute to PFAS contamination. Testing has detected PFAS in water systems serving areas near Fort Worth and other military locations.
California
California's numerous military bases, airports, and industrial manufacturing areas create multiple contamination sources. Despite strict state standards, ongoing detection remains common.
Contamination Mechanisms: How PFAS Gets into Your Tap Water
Understanding how PFAS contaminates drinking water helps explain why certain states and regions are more affected:
- Groundwater contamination: PFAS from industrial sites, military bases, or landfills migrate through soil into underground aquifers that supply drinking water wells.
- Surface water contamination: AFFF runoff from airports and military facilities, as well as wastewater discharge, can contaminate rivers and reservoirs used for water treatment.
- Biosolids application: Wastewater treatment produces biosolids that are sometimes applied to agricultural land. When these biosolids contain PFAS, chemicals can leach into groundwater.
- Industrial discharge: Manufacturing facilities producing or using PFAS chemicals may release these substances into waterways.
What You Should Do Right Now: Testing and Protection Steps
Step 1: Learn What's in Your Water
Use ClearWater's free ZIP code lookup tool at checkclearwater.com to find your local water utility's latest water quality report. These Consumer Confidence Reports contain test results for regulated contaminants, including PFAS where utilities have tested. This free resource gives you baseline information about what your utility has detected.
Call your water utility directly and ask specifically about PFAS testing. Ask whether they've tested for PFAS, what chemicals they tested for, and what the results were. Ask if any PFAS was detected and at what levels. Water systems aren't required to publicly report unregulated PFAS, so direct contact is often necessary.
Step 2: Get Your Water Tested
If you use a private well, have your water tested for PFAS by a certified laboratory. Contact your state's environmental protection agency for a list of laboratories that can test for PFAS. Well water isn't regulated by the EPA, so testing is your only way to know if PFAS is present.
Even if your public water utility reports no PFAS detection, consider testing if you live in a high-risk area near military bases, airports, or industrial sites. Home testing kits can provide initial indication of PFAS presence.
Step 3: Consider Home Filtration
If testing reveals PFAS in your water, or if you live in a high-contamination state and want extra protection, home filtration systems can effectively remove PFAS. Granular activated carbon filters and reverse osmosis systems are both effective methods. When selecting a system, ensure it's certified for PFAS removal and matches your specific water quality concerns.
Point-of-use filters (faucet-mounted or under-sink) protect your drinking and cooking water. Point-of-entry systems treat all water entering your home but are more expensive to install and maintain.
Step 4: Advocate for Stronger Protections
Attend local water utility board meetings and ask about their PFAS testing and remediation plans. Contact your state representatives and ask them to support stricter PFAS standards. Many state legislatures are currently developing PFAS regulations, and public input influences these decisions.
Join or support organizations advocating for PFAS remediation and stronger regulations. These groups often coordinate testing programs and provide resources for affected communities.
Understanding Your State's Response: Current Actions in 2026
As of 2026, states are in various stages of implementing the EPA's 2023 standards. Some have moved ahead with stricter regulations and aggressive remediation. Others are still developing testing protocols and treatment plans. Your state's specific response affects your water safety and available resources.
States with established contamination problems have generally moved fastest to implement protections. States with less documented PFAS issues may be slower to act, but this doesn't mean contamination isn't present—it may simply be untested.
Check your state's environmental protection or health department website for current PFAS action plans, testing results, and treatment programs. Many states have dedicated PFAS pages with up-to-date information and resources for residents.
Key Factors That Determine Your PFAS Risk
Your actual PFAS exposure risk depends on multiple factors beyond state statistics:
- Your specific water source: Even in high-contamination states, some utilities have clean water. Others in supposedly low-risk areas may face localized contamination.
- Your proximity to known sources: Living within a few miles of a military base, airport, or industrial facility significantly increases risk.
- Well versus public water: Private well users face higher risk because wells aren't regularly tested and regulated like public supplies.
- Your state's testing requirements: States with mandatory testing programs catch contamination that other states miss.
- Treatment plant capacity: Even if contamination is detected, some utilities lack the technology to remove PFAS effectively.
The Bottom Line: Take Control of Your Water Safety
PFAS contamination is a serious and widespread problem, but you're not helpless. By taking action to learn what's in your water and implementing protection strategies, you can significantly reduce your family's PFAS exposure. Start with ClearWater's free lookup tool to understand your baseline water quality, then move forward with direct utility contact and testing if warranted.
Your state's regulations and your specific location determine the urgency of action, but the fundamental principle applies everywhere: you deserve to know what's in your water and have access to clean, safe drinking water. Take the steps outlined above today.