Study: Nearly half of US tap water contains harmful chemicals.

Nearly Half of Tap Water in the United States Contains Toxic Chemicals Linked to Health Issues

A new study from the U.S. Geological Survey reveals that nearly half of the tap water in the United States is contaminated with toxic chemicals that are associated with cancer and other health problems. These synthetic compounds, known as “forever chemicals” or PFAS, have infiltrated drinking water supplies across the nation, affecting both urban and rural areas.

The Impact of PFAS

Lead author Kelly Smalling, a research hydrologist, explains, “The study estimates that at least one type of PFAS could be present in nearly half of the tap water in the U.S.” PFAS are colorless, odorless, and tasteless chemicals that are commonly used to provide heat, oil, stain, grease, and water resistance to various products. They can be found in everyday items such as adhesives, cookware, and food packaging.

Unfortunately, PFAS have been linked to a range of health issues, including growth and development problems, obesity, reproductive issues, compromised immune systems, and an increased risk of preeclampsia, kidney cancer, and testicular cancer. These chemicals are known as “forever chemicals” because they do not break down in the environment and can persist in the human body for years.

Widespread Contamination

The Environmental Protection Agency states that PFAS can be found in surface water, groundwater, soil, and air throughout the entire country. According to the USGS, at least 45% of the nation’s drinking water contains PFAS, based on testing of 32 different types of these chemicals. It’s important to note that there are over 12,000 types of PFAS, and not all of them have been detected yet.

The study conducted by the USGS is the first of its kind to test both regulated public water supplies and unregulated private wells. Researchers collected water samples directly from kitchen sinks between 2016 and 2021, providing a more accurate representation of the contamination levels. Of the 716 faucets tested, 447 were from public water supplies, while 269 were from private wells. Surprisingly, the amount of chemicals found in both types of water sources was similar.

Urban areas and regions such as the Great Plains, Great Lakes, Eastern Seaboard, and Central/Southern California showed the highest levels of PFAS contamination. This aligns with previous research indicating that people living in urban areas are more likely to be exposed to PFAS. Estimates suggest that urban areas have a 75% likelihood of contamination, while rural areas have a 25% likelihood.

Sources of Contamination

Contamination can originate from various sources, including firefighter training areas, industrial sites, airports, and military bases. While municipal water sources are responsible for monitoring and treating chemical levels, individuals with private wells must take their own initiative to test their water.

The USGS advises, “Those interested in testing and treating private wells should contact their local and state officials for guidance. Testing is the only way to confirm the presence of these contaminants in wells.”

Click here to read more from The Washington Examiner.

Proposed Federal Limits and Settlement

In March, the EPA announced proposed federal limits on six types of PFAS chemicals in drinking water. EPA Administrator Michael Regan believes that these limits have the potential to prevent tens of thousands of PFAS-related illnesses. Additionally, chemical manufacturer 3M recently reached a $10.3 billion settlement over the contamination of drinking water systems with “forever chemicals.”

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