PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) in Drinking Water
EPA limits, health effects, and what to do if your water is affected.
🩨 Health Effects
PFAS are a group of thousands of synthetic chemicals used in non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, food packaging, and firefighting foam. Long-term exposure has been linked to cancer (kidney, testicular), thyroid disease, immune system suppression, reproductive problems, and developmental delays in children. They are called "forever chemicals" because they do not break down in the environment or the human body.
📍 Sources in Water
PFAS contamination in drinking water is primarily linked to military bases and airports using AFFF (aqueous film-forming foam) for fire training, industrial facilities (3M, DuPont/Chemours), and consumer product manufacturing sites. Contaminated sites have been found in all 50 states. PFAS in water can also come from landfill leachate and agricultural use of PFAS-contaminated sewage sludge.
✅ What To Do
In April 2024, the EPA finalized the first-ever national drinking water standards for PFAS, setting MCLs of 4 parts per trillion (0.000000004 mg/L) for PFOA and PFOS individually, and 10 ppt for PFNA, PFHxS, and HFPO-DA (GenX). Water utilities have until 2027 to comply. Granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration and reverse osmosis (RO) are the most effective treatment methods for PFAS. Point-of-use RO filters at the kitchen tap are practical for households. Check the EPA's PFAS Analytic Tools to find contaminated sites near you.
Check your tap water for PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances)
Search your ZIP code to see if your water system has had PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) violations, plus lead testing results and an overall safety grade.
Search your ZIP code →Data from the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). MCLs reflect minimum federal standards; some contaminants may pose health risks below these thresholds.