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September 2023 - Chemicals

45% of tap water from homes across the US is estimated to contain PFAS: A survey by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) of tap water in the U.S. has found that 45% could contain one or two per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

Scientists tested water samples from private and public supplies to understand more about the levels of so-called 'forever chemicals' in people's drinking water, also finding that levels were comparable between public supplies and private wells. Researchers estimated that in rural areas the probability of not finding PFAS in tap water is around 75% while in urban areas it is more likely to be 25%. 

A total of 32 compounds were tested for across 716 locations, with the most commonly found PFAS recorded as PFBS, PFHxS and PFOA, according to the study. This is just a small fraction of the possible number of PFAS which could be present in tap water, although not all of them can be detected with current testing methods.

The findings revealed that PFAS concentrations ranged from 0.348 ng/L to 346 ng/L.

The locations of test sites were a mix of residential and rural 'low' human impacted sites with no known PFAS sources, as well as urban sites reported to have PFAS sources, for example waste sites or sites used for industry. 

The greatest concentration of PFAS was recorded near urban and potential PFAS sources, which was in line with previous research. 

The study took place between 2016 and 2021 and is the most comprehensive study to date according to USGS. Samples were tested using a unique method of measurement developed by the USGS National Water Quality Laboratory.

USGS research hydrologist Kelly Smalling said: 

“The study estimates that at least one type of PFAS — of those that were monitored — could be present in nearly half of the tap water in the U.S. Furthermore, PFAS concentrations were similar between public supplies and private wells.”

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