PFAS

PFAS in Drinking WaterOn April 10, 2024, EPA announced the final National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR) for six PFAS.  To inform the final rule, EPA evaluated over 120,000 comments submitted by the public on the rule proposal, as well as considered input received during multiple consultations and stakeholder engagement activities held both prior to and following the proposed rule. EPA expects that over many years the final rule will prevent PFAS exposure in drinking water for approximately 100 million people, prevent thousands of deaths, and reduce tens of thousands of serious PFAS-attributable illnesses.

PFOA and PFOS are compounds that are considered per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are a large group of man-made chemicals that have been used in industry and consumer products worldwide since the 1950s. These chemicals are used to make products that resist stains, grease, and water. They are also used in stain resistant carpet, clothing, non-stick cookware, and firefighting foam.

However, according to the EPA, "exposure to high levels of PFAS may lead to adverse health outcomes," including:

  • Reproductive effects such as decreased fertility or increased high blood pressure in pregnant women.
  • Developmental effects or delays in children, including low birth weight, accelerated puberty, bone variations, or behavioral changes.
  • Increased risk of some cancers, including prostate, kidney, and testicular cancers.
  • Reduced ability of the body’s immune system to fight infections, including reduced vaccine response.
  • Interference with the body’s natural hormones.
  • Increased cholesterol levels and/or risk of obesity.

Below is a brief Frequently Asked Questions list related to this new advisory from the EPA and how it might affect you.

How do I know if my drinking water contains PFAS?

Water testing is used to determine if drinking water has PFAS contamination. PFAS has been identified in some drinking water in Randolph County. If you receive your drinking water from a utility, you can reach out to your water provider to inquire about any PFAS testing they may have conducted.  If you receive your water from a private well, options for testing are included in the PFAS Water Testing & Filtration Resources.

PFAS has been detected in my water. Is it safe to drink?

Generally, the lower the levels, the lower the risk. The new EPA health advisory levels for PFOA and PFOS are below levels that can be detected with current tests. Therefore, any detection of either PFOA or PFOS in drinking water could represent an increased health risk.

Are there filtration or treatment options for my drinking water?

Filtration systems can remove or reduce PFAS from drinking water. If you live near known sources of PFAS contamination or your drinking water contains PFAS above the EPA health advisory levels, you may want to use a different water source or filter your water before drinking, cooking, and preparing infant formula. Note: Boiling water will NOT remove PFAS.

PFAS (PFOA, PFOS, GenX, PFBS) has been detected in my water supply. Can I still shower, bathe, wash clothes/dishes, water my plants, etc., safely?

Yes. Based on current scientific understanding, only a small amount of PFAS gets into your body through skin, so very little PFAS exposure would come from showering, bathing, and similar activities.

What about brushing my teeth?

The amount of water ingested while brushing teeth is minimal relative to the amount of water typically consumed through eating and drinking.  Exposures from brushing teeth would present a minimal health risk.


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