PFAS—“Forever Chemicals”—May Be the Biggest Water Problem Since Lead

PFAS are all around us—in household products we use each day and some of the food we eat and the water we drink. In fact, their prevalence is so widespread that most Americans have traces of PFAS in their blood.

Frequently referred to as “forever chemicals” because they break down slowly, PFAS can linger in the environment for a very long time—making them a huge concern for our water quality and our health. Aside from lead, PFAS may be the most pervasive and potentially costly contaminant our water supplies have ever dealt with.

Today’s WatchBlog post looks at our recent report on the federal government’s efforts to reduce PFAS exposure from drinking water.

Image

PFAS: What they are and how they can hurt us

Synthetic chemicals called per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances—PFAS—have been around since the 1940s. Because the chemicals have non-stick, stain-resistant, and waterproof properties, they are used in products like nonstick cookware, waterproof clothing, and certain firefighting foams. PFAS are also found in other consumer products like some carpeting, furniture, and takeout containers. They’re even in some dental floss and makeup.

But their ability to remain in the environment makes them a huge concern to human and animal health—and ultimately to our food and water supplies.

Studies show that most everyone in the U.S. has been exposed to PFAS. Exposure to the chemicals above certain levels has been associated with negative health effects in humans, including cancer. It’s also been linked to increased cholesterol levels, liver damage, thyroid disease, fertility and fetal development issues, reduced vaccine efficacy, and developmental delays in children.

What’s being done to protect us?

Starting in April 2029, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will require public water systems to limit specific "forever chemicals" in drinking water. But there are widespread concerns about whether those managing water systems have been provided with enough information and resources to implement PFAS treatment methods and safely address the resulting contaminated waste.

For our recent report, we surveyed public water systems’ managers in six states, most of whom told us that they didn’t know how PFAS are getting into their drinking water. Those that did know cited sources like nearby airports, fire stations, military facilities, and wastewater treatment plants.

We also learned that 77% of the public water systems in our survey have yet to fully implement a PFAS treatment method. Of those that have, most said they need more information on how to safely dispose of the resulting waste.

Treating PFAS in drinking water and the resulting waste. Public water systems have several technologies available to remove PFAS from drinking water. One process uses granular activated carbon (GAC)—it’s basically a large-scale version of the filter you use in a Brita water pitcher. Current technologies generally remove about 99% of the PFAS regulated by the EPA.

Image

But treating PFAS in drinking water then creates waste that needs to be properly disposed of to avoid future environmental contamination.

Most public water system managers we surveyed said they need more information and guidance from EPA about treatment methods, the availability of federal funding, and managing PFAS-contaminated waste. They also cited several other challenges in treating water and removing waste, such as:

• Communicating with customers about the health risks of high PFAS levels
• Dealing with evolving regulations for waste disposal
• Raising enough revenue or accessing federal funding to cover costs
• Hiring enough qualified engineering staff for operations
• Complying with regulations’ deadlines
• Having the capacity to store waste onsite

For example, one wastewater treatment manager, who was concerned about legal standards said, “Regulations are still being developed while we are trying to determine solutions. Not having a complete regulatory landscape…is challenging in that we do not know what may be expected after we choose and implement solutions.”

Another survey respondent commented, “We are a small homeowner’s association with a community well/water system...In short, our resources are extremely finite as it is. Adding testing and mitigation requirements relative to PFAS is going to most likely be financially crippling for us.”

Public water systems—big and small—need more help to comply with PFAS regulations and the resulting waste. To learn more, read our full report, which includes a list of valuable resources.

We also have a large body of work and recommendations on reducing PFAS in our world.

• GAO’s fact-based, nonpartisan information helps Congress and federal agencies improve government. The WatchBlog lets us contextualize GAO’s work a little more for the public. Check out more of our posts at GAO.gov/blog.
   
• Got a comment, question? Email us at blog@gao.gov.