Millions in U.S. face groundwater risk from toxic ‘forever chemicals’

In a recent analysis by the United States Geological Survey (USGS), alarming findings revealed that between 71 and 95 million individuals in the contiguous United States may be consuming groundwater tainted with per- and polyfluoralkyl substances (PFAs), commonly referred to as 'forever chemicals.' Groundwater, which serves as a primary drinking water source for approximately 107 million Americans, is at risk, especially in states like California, Florida, and Massachusetts. The USGS utilized a machine learning model to identify geographical areas most susceptible to contamination, revealing that Florida and California have the highest absolute numbers of affected residents. A significant concern was raised in Massachusetts, where the percentage of people potentially exposed to contaminated groundwater was found to be as high as 98%. This is critical as many rely on groundwater sourced from public utilities and private wells that might not be regularly monitored for PFAs. The findings underscore gaps in data previously reported by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding PFAs in public water systems. The health implications linked to PFAs are serious, with research suggesting connections to numerous adverse health outcomes, including fertility issues and increased cancer risks. The need for extensive research is evident, as many studies involving PFAs have examined levels higher than what people typically encounter. To aid in addressing this public health issue, the USGS has released an interactive map to help communities identify contamination risks in their local groundwater supplies and prioritize areas for future testing, thereby ensuring that residents are informed about their water quality.