Thanks to Analies Dyjak, M.A. | Policy Nerd and HydroViv.
Our analysts are finding PFAS everywhere we look.
It's such a widespread problem that some state and local governments are beginning to allocate considerable resources to try and mitigate exposure. If PFAS data aren't available for your city, it probably means no one has tested for it yet! We wanted to provide information about some of the major PFAS "hot spot" and how to remove it from your drinking water.
Where Are PFAS Found?
Public awareness of PFAS in drinking water has been further elevated after a recent report by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) mapped out areas of the country that have been tested. Municipalities are constantly being added to this EWG map, so it's worth checking from time to time. If your locality is not included on the map, it probably means that drinking water in your area has not yet been tested.
Because PFAS are not currently regulated, cities are towns are not required to test for, monitor, or remove PFAS from tap water, and won’t need to for the foreseeable future. According to the CDC and NIH, PFAS have been linked to various health effects, including cancer. PFAS have become such a big problem in drinking water due to years of mismanaging chemical and industrial waste.
What Are PFAS?
PFAS are a category of man-made contaminants that are commonly used in firefighting foam, Teflon, non-stick surfaces, stain-resistant surfaces, and food packaging. Some health agencies believe that there are over 4000 different variations present in the environment. For perspective, only two variations are going through the regulatory determination process; PFOA and PFOS. CDC has linked exposure to PFAS with an increased risk of cancer, increased cholesterol levels, a weakened immune system, and hormonal disruptions. Even small amounts of PFAS are extremely toxic. PFAS are measured in parts per trillion, and one part per trillion is equivalent to one drop of water in 20 olympic-sized swimming pools.
What Are Cities and Towns Doing To Protect Residents From PFAS?
There are currently no federal standards or Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for PFAS in drinking water. It can take several decades for a contaminant to become regulated under under EPA’s National Primary Drinking Water Standards (NPDWS). Many state governments are proactively working to create their own standards as quickly as possible. However, most do not require cities and and towns to actually remove PFAS at this time. To see if your state regulates PFAS, check out our article about which states currently have PFAS regulations, and which ones are enforceable or non-enforceable at the state level.
Do All Water Filters Remove PFAS?
The short answer is no.
PFAS are much more difficult to remove than most regulated contaminants. A recent study by Duke University and NC State tested a variety of different water filters and their ability to remove PFAS. Hydroviv performed better than brands like Brita, Pur, Whirlpool, Samsung, and Berkey. Hydroviv filters, now available from AlkaWay, are specifically optimized to get rid of “difficult-to-remove” contaminants that can be found in your drinking water. You can find a summary of the report here!
PFAs in USA: Everywhere.
PFAs in Australia: See below
