PFAS Forever Chemicals: What the EPA Data Shows About Your Water

PFAS “Forever Chemicals”: What the EPA Data Shows About Your Water

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) do not break down in the environment or in the human body. ToxIndex analysis of EPA Superfund data identifies 25 ZIP codes with PFAS as the primary contaminant — but the true scope extends to thousands of communities near military bases, firefighting training sites, and industrial facilities.

PFAS in the EPA Superfund Data

25
ZIP Codes (Primary)
9
Critical Risk (8+/10)
7
States Impacted
4 ppt
EPA MCL (2024)

Note: 25 ZIP codes have PFAS as the PRIMARY contaminant in EPA SEMS. Thousands more have PFAS as a secondary contaminant not yet fully mapped.

What Are PFAS and Why “Forever”?

PFAS are a class of over 14,000 synthetic chemicals used since the 1940s in products like Teflon, Scotchgard, firefighting foam (AFFF), and food packaging. Their carbon-fluorine bond is one of the strongest in chemistry — meaning these chemicals do not degrade naturally in soil, water, or the human body.

In 2024, the EPA finalized the first-ever national drinking water standard for PFAS, setting maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) at 4 parts per trillion for PFOA and PFOS — the strictest standard ever set for any drinking water contaminant.

Primary PFAS Sources

  • Military bases — AFFF firefighting foam used extensively at DoD installations since the 1970s
  • Airports — AFFF training and emergency response
  • Manufacturing facilities — Chemical plants, textile mills, paper mills
  • Wastewater treatment — PFAS concentrate in biosolids applied to agricultural land
  • Landfills — Consumer products containing PFAS leach into groundwater

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Water Treatment Options

Not all water filters remove PFAS. The EPA and independent testing confirm these technologies are effective:

95%+
Reverse Osmosis
90%+
Granular Activated Carbon
80-95%
Ion Exchange Resin

Reverse osmosis (RO) point-of-use systems ($200-600) are the most effective residential option, removing 95%+ of PFOA and PFOS. Whole-house granular activated carbon (GAC) systems ($1,500-5,000) provide whole-home protection but require regular media replacement.

Standard pitcher filters and refrigerator filters do NOT reliably remove PFAS unless specifically certified to NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 for PFOS and PFOA reduction.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I test my water for PFAS?

Home PFAS water test kits are available from certified labs ($150-350). Look for labs accredited under EPA Method 533 or 537.1. For municipal water, your utility is now required to test and report PFAS levels under the 2024 EPA rule. Request their most recent results.

Should I buy bottled water if I live near a PFAS site?

As a short-term measure while you arrange testing and filtration, using bottled water or a certified RO filter for drinking and cooking water is prudent. However, bottled water is not regulated for PFAS and some brands have been found to contain measurable levels.

Can PFAS contamination affect my property value?

PFAS contamination is an emerging issue in real estate disclosure. Some states now require PFAS testing during property transfers. Properties with documented PFAS contamination in well water have seen 10-20% valuation impacts, though this varies significantly by market and severity.

Data Sources: EPA SEMS, EPA PFAS National Drinking Water Regulation (2024), DoD PFAS Task Force. Analyzed by ToxIndex.

This analysis is based on publicly available data and does not constitute medical advice. For health concerns related to PFAS exposure, consult your physician or visit EPA PFAS.