Tap water containing PFAS discovered at 43 US cities

WASHINGTON, DC, JAN 22, 2020 -- New laboratory tests commissioned by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) have for the first time found the toxic fluorinated chemicals known as PFAS in the drinking water of 43 of 44 cities tested last year.

“The results confirm that the number of Americans exposed to PFAS from contaminated tap water has been dramatically underestimated by previous studies, both from the Environmental Protection Agency and EWG’s own research,” the agency said upon releasing the study results.

“Based on our tests and new academic research that found PFAS widespread in rainwater, EWG scientists now believe PFAS is likely detectable in all major water supplies in the U.S., almost certainly in all that use surface water. EWG’s tests also found chemicals from the PFAS family that are not commonly tested for in drinking water,” the announcement continued.

 The Drop: PFAS 101

The group sampled tap water in 44 locations in 31 states and the District of Columbia for the report. Of those samples, only one location had no detectable PFAS, and only two other locations had PFAS below the level that independent studies show pose risks to human health.

Some of the highest PFAS levels detected were in samples from major metropolitan areas, including Miami, Philadelphia, New Orleans and the northern New Jersey suburbs of New York City.

PFAS are known as “forever chemicals” because once released into the environment they do not break down, and they build up in our blood and organs. Exposure to PFAS increases the risk of cancer, among other diseases. 

 The Drop: PFAS and Biosolids - Connections, Concerns and Consequences

To read the full report, visit ewg.org.