Organic High Risk

PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances)

Developmental effects, liver damage, immune system effects, increased cancer risk

Sources: Firefighting foam, Industrial manufacturing, Food packaging

Regulatory Limit

Zero EPA Limit (0.004 μg/L)

*Levels above the EPA limit are considered unsafe.

MCL Value

0.004 μg/L

Goal (MCLG)

0 μg/L

Violating Systems

3 nationwide

Affected Population

319,807 estimated

Avg Detected Level

0.002 μg/L in affected systems

Health Risk Assessment

Exposure to PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) in drinking water is regulated because of its potential to cause developmental effects, liver damage, immune system effects, increased cancer risk. The EPA has set the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) at 0.004 μg/L to protect public health.

Note: Long-term exposure above the MCL can significantly increase health risks. This contaminant is considered high priority due to its severe potential health impacts.

Detailed Health Effects

Developmental effects, liver damage, immune system effects, increased cancer risk

Common Sources

Firefighting foam

Industrial manufacturing

Food packaging

Textiles

National Overview

Total Tests

Violations Found

Violation Rate

5.8%

Top States by Violations

South Carolina (1) Wyoming (1) Michigan (1)

Most Affected Systems

Treatment Methods

Granular activated carbon

Ion exchange

Reverse osmosis

Is this in your water?

Find out if your local water system has detected PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances).

Search Your Local Water Enter your ZIP code to see your full water quality report. View Health Guidelines Read official EPA guidelines on drinking water safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) and why is it in drinking water?

PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) is a organic contaminant. Common sources include: Firefighting foam, Industrial manufacturing, Food packaging, Textiles.

What are the health effects of PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) in drinking water?

Developmental effects, liver damage, immune system effects, increased cancer risk

What is the EPA limit for PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances)?

The EPA Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) is 0.004 μg/L.

How can I remove PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) from my water?

Effective treatment methods for removing PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) include: Granular activated carbon, Ion exchange, Reverse osmosis.

How do I test my water for PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances)?

You can check your water system's annual Consumer Confidence Report for PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) levels, or use a certified home water testing kit. WaterQ provides the latest EPA test data for all public water systems.