All Contaminants
PFAS

PFAS (Forever Chemicals)

in Drinking Water

HIGH RISK

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of thousands of synthetic chemicals that don't break down in the environment or the human body. They're called "forever chemicals" because they persist indefinitely.

EPA Regulations

EPA Legal Limit

4 ppt for PFOA/PFOS (proposed 2024)

This is the maximum contaminant level (MCL) that water systems must meet by law.

Health Guideline

4 ppt (EPA health advisory)

The level below which no adverse health effects are expected.

Health Effects

Exposure to pfas (forever chemicals) in drinking water can cause various health problems:

  • Increased cholesterol levels
  • Changes in liver enzymes
  • Decreased vaccine response in children
  • Increased risk of kidney and testicular cancer
  • Pregnancy-induced hypertension/preeclampsia
  • Low infant birth weights
  • Thyroid hormone disruption
  • Immune system effects

Common Sources

PFAS (Forever Chemicals) can enter drinking water from various sources:

  • Firefighting foam (AFFF) used at airports and military bases
  • Industrial facilities that produce or use PFAS
  • Landfills and waste sites
  • Non-stick cookware manufacturing
  • Water-resistant clothing and textiles
  • Food packaging (microwave popcorn bags, fast food wrappers)
  • Stain-resistant carpets and furniture

Minnesota Cities with PFAS Detected

RankCityPFAS (Forever Chemicals) LevelOverall Grade
#1RochesterDetected F
#2ST CLOUDDetected F
#3Park RapidsDetected F
#4RamseyDetected F
#5OwatonnaDetected F
#6HutchinsonDetected F
#7FoleyDetected F

How to Remove PFAS (Forever Chemicals)

These filtration methods are effective at removing pfas (forever chemicals) from drinking water:

  • Granular activated carbon (GAC) filters - effective for some PFAS
  • Reverse osmosis (RO) systems - removes most PFAS
  • Ion exchange resins
  • Nanofiltration systems
  • NSF P473 certified filters for PFAS removal

Frequently Asked Questions

What is PFAS (Forever Chemicals) and why is it in drinking water?

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of thousands of synthetic chemicals that don't break down in the environment or the human body. They're called "forever chemicals" because they persist indefinitely.

What are the health effects of PFAS (Forever Chemicals) in drinking water?

Exposure to pfas (forever chemicals) in drinking water can cause: Increased cholesterol levels, Changes in liver enzymes, Decreased vaccine response in children. This is considered a high-risk contaminant.

What is the EPA limit for PFAS (Forever Chemicals)?

The EPA limit for pfas (forever chemicals) is 4 ppt for PFOA/PFOS (proposed 2024). The health guideline is 4 ppt (EPA health advisory).

How can I remove PFAS (Forever Chemicals) from my drinking water?

The most effective methods to remove pfas (forever chemicals) include: Granular activated carbon (GAC) filters - effective for some PFAS; Reverse osmosis (RO) systems - removes most PFAS.

Learn More from the EPA

For official information about pfas (forever chemicals) in drinking water, visit the EPA website.

Visit EPA.gov

Check Your Water for PFAS (Forever Chemicals)

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