Getting PFAS Out of Our Water: Understanding the Risks of Forever Chemicals

Alexandria, VA – For most of Alexandria, a typical summer day in mid-June may consist of dog owners walking their panting dogs, eager for a lick of cold water. Or neighbors basking in the sun in their yards, anticipating a sip of a cool, refreshing drink. However, as we start relying more on our water systems to keep us hydrated this summer, let’s not forget to consider the potential chemicals that may be present in our drinking water.

One of these chemicals, which poses a significant concern in water systems across the United States, is per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). PFAS are man-made chemicals and sometimes referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their inability to break down naturally in the environment.

Not all PFAS are found in plastics; however, PFAS commonly used in plastic items include things like nonstick cookware, textiles, clothing (including athletic wear), and certain cosmetics because of their ability to resist water, grease, and stains.

Why is this important? Since their introduction, PFAS have been linked to a number of serious health concerns, including an increased risk of certain cancers and thyroid, and immune system disorders.

According to the nonprofit Environmental Working Group (EWG), at least 95% of tested Americans had PFAS compounds in their body fluids. Moreover, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, drinking water is a significant source of PFAS exposure for many Americans.

Currently, nonprofits and advocacy organizations are working to address PFAS contamination and continue the research on its potential effects on human health.  These nonprofits have provided citizens with resources and guidance to help reduce

PFAS exposure through drinking water. According to the Plastic Pollution Coalition (PPC), some of the easiest ways to reduce PFAS exposure include:

• Install a certified water filtration system that is effective at removing PFAS (EWG and PPC have names of filtration companies they approve).
• Avoid products that contain intentionally added PFAS whenever possible.
• Reduce the use of single-use plastics and food packaging that may contain PFAS.
• Support policies and legislation that limit PFAS contamination in water supplies.

Julia Cohen, co-founder of PPC, put it this way: “To best protect all our drinking water, Americans need to engage in the political process and advocate for policies and regulations that stop PFAS pollution at the source, through phase-outs, enforcement of emissions limits, and incentivization of safer chemicals and materials.”

While individual actions will help reduce your exposure at home, broader policy changes are necessary to limit PFAS contamination in public water supplies.