Is Your Water Safe? New Map Highlights Deadly Forever Chemicals Contamination Zones

New study uncovers PFAS contamination hot spots and reveals higher risks in densely populated and groundwater-reliant areas — check the map to see if your water is affected

I had been hearing about forever chemicals for years, and although I do a lot of work on environmental issues, I hadn’t had the time to examine the research.

Then, two years ago, another brilliant Last Week Tonight story by John Oliver came out. I love that guy and how he explains complex and even extremely controversial topics comprehensively. This time, it was talking about Forever Chemicals, PFAS. It sounded scarier than I had anticipated, so I have kept a close eye on the literature since then.

Indeed, the issue of “forever chemicals,” or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), in drinking water has become a growing concern in the United States. Unfortunately for us, though, these synthetic chemicals, known for their resistance to water, heat, and stains, are found in many industrial and household products.

Even worse, their persistence in the environment poses significant health risks, including cancer, thyroid disease, and reduced fertility. So, of course, knowing where PFAS are mostly concentrated is imperative. A recent study by West Virginia University researchers Dr. Nabin B. Khanal and Dr. Levan Elbakidze sheds light on the prevalence of PFAS contamination in U.S. drinking water. It identifies key hot spots across the country.

The researchers’ findings indicate that up to 270 million Americans might be exposed to PFAS-contaminated drinking water. Two-hundred seventy Million!

The study analyzes data from the EPA’s Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule, the U.S. Census Bureau, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics to provide a comprehensive look at the distribution and sources of PFAS contamination. A very comprehensive data-collection effort.

The study’s methodology involved a detailed examination of data from various federal sources. The researchers utilized the EPA’s Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR3) to gather information on the presence of PFAS in public water systems (PWS) across the United States. This data included six specific PFAS compounds tested between 2013 and 2016. Additionally, socioeconomic data from the Census Bureau and labor statistics were used to understand the demographics and economic activities of the affected areas.

The analysis aimed to identify spatial contamination clusters and correlate PFAS levels with PWS characteristics and socioeconomic attributes. The researchers employed statistical models to account for data censoring and to ensure accurate estimation of PFAS concentrations and their correlations with various factors.

The study identified several significant PFAS contamination hot spots in the United States (see figure above), with notable clusters in the Northeast, Southeast, and a smaller one in Colorado. These hot spots include Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, Delaware, Connecticut, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Colorado.

But what caused these hotspots, you may ask? The contamination in these regions is often linked to nearby PFAS manufacturing plants, industrial sites, and densely populated communities.

“Hot spots identified cover 10 states and 149 counties,” said Elbakidze. “The hot spot with the greatest number of counties spans across Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee. A second spans New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, Delaware, and Connecticut.”

But the study has more to it. The researchers found that larger PWSs, serving over 10,000 people, are more likely to be contaminated with PFAS than smaller systems.

Additionally, communities that rely on groundwater for drinking water are more susceptible to contamination than those using surface water sources. This is because PFAS chemicals persist and accumulate in groundwater, posing a long-term contamination risk—as if that weren’t scary enough already.

The study’s findings highlight the complex nature of PFAS contamination in drinking water. For example, larger, densely populated areas with higher incomes are more prone to contamination due to the greater consumption of PFAS-containing products and the presence of industrial activities. Conversely, lower-income, non-white communities and agricultural regions tend to have lower levels of PFAS contamination.

“Given the diverse sources of contamination, any water system — whether a public water system or a private well — could potentially be affected,” Khanal noted. “Therefore, it is crucial to test your water for PFAS and take necessary measures to avoid using contaminated water for drinking or food preparation.”

More importantly, the study underscores the need for better regulation and monitoring of PFAS under the Safe Drinking Water Act, which, surprisingly, currently does not cover these chemicals.

Additionally, needless to say, investments in technologies to filter PFAS from wastewater and drinking water systems are crucial.

But of course, mitigation efforts must also target both industrial emissions and consumer products. Public awareness campaigns can help reduce the use of PFAS-containing products, and policies such as Pigouvian taxes could be implemented to fund necessary technological upgrades in water treatment facilities.

Not all is lost, though. While PFAS contamination in drinking water poses significant challenges, comprehensive policies and community awareness can help mitigate the risks and protect public health. As Dr. Elbakidze emphasizes, understanding where and why these hot spots exist is the first step toward a cleaner, safer water supply for all Americans.