New PFAS data shows widespread water contamination

Two new figures show the alarming extent to which PFAS is contaminating our water and threatening our health. First, drinking water systems serving roughly 46 million Americans are contaminated with PFAS, according to an analysis of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) data by USA Today.  This drinking water contamination is almost certainly more widespread, as many utilities have yet to report their sampling data to the EPA.

Second, industry disposed of at least 60 million pounds of PFAS in the U.S. over 5 years – often in ways that are can pollute our water or air.  Those disposal methods included landfilling, incineration and sending waste to sewage treatment plants, according to the report by Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility.

With this alarming data in mind, we’re calling on states to stop companies from releasing PFAS into America’s waterways.  On November 15th, Environment America and PIRG held a briefing for state legislators on the most effective policy tools to turn off the toxic tap.  You can view our PFAS policy briefing here.