PFAS in Drinking Water
What are PFAS?
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are manufactured chemicals used in many household products including nonstick cookware (e.g., Teflon™), stain repellants (e.g., Scotchgard™), and waterproofing (e.g., GORE-TEX™). They are also used in industrial applications such as in firefighting foams and electronics production. There are thousands of PFAS chemicals, and they persist in the environment. Two well-known PFAS chemicals are perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS). These were phased out of production in the United States and replaced by hexafluoropropylene oxide-dimer acid (commonly known as GenX), perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS) and others.
What is the EPA doing about PFAS in drinking water?
On April 16, 2024, EPA published a National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR) establishing legally enforceable levels, called Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs), for six PFAS in drinking water. EPA also issued health-based, non-enforceable Maximum Contaminant Level Goals (MCLGs) for these six PFAS. For details on the specific regulated PFAS and the limits, visit epa.gov/pfas.
Drinking water limits are enforceable, which means water systems must meet them. EPA sets drinking water limits as close to the level where no health impacts are expected, considering the ability to measure and treat the chemical, among other factors. The new limits for PFAS will go into effect in 2029. Until then, water systems, including ours, will be sampling to determine current levels of the newly regulated chemicals. Based on those test results, we will work with the WV Department of Health and EPA to determine the best treatment option, if needed.
Where can I learn more about PFAS in drinking water?
EPA provides a wealth of information about PFAS on their website at epa.gov/pfas
The WV Department of Environmental Protection has information available at dep.wv.gov/key-issues/Pages/PFAS.aspx
PFAS health effect information can also be found on the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website at atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas/health-effects/index.html
