Water systems in Pennsylvania show high PFAS levels above EPA standards

Nearly 19% of Pennsylvania’s water systems have PFAS levels exceeding new federal standards, raising concerns about water safety in several counties.

Zoë Read reports for WHYY.

In short:

• Public water providers in Pennsylvania found PFAS levels above federal regulations in 19% of tested systems between January and March 2024.
• The highest contamination in Pennsylvania was at Brookside Village Mobile Home Park, with levels reaching 2,100 parts per trillion.
• Smaller municipalities and communities are most affected, often lacking advanced filtration systems found in larger water providers.

Key quote:

“These forever chemicals are just about everywhere, and it’s hard not to find them.”

— Chuck Powley, PFAS Solutions

Why this matters:

PFAS, often called “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment and human body, have been linked to various health problems, including cancer, liver damage, and reproductive issues. These substances, commonly found in household products like non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, and firefighting foams, are notorious for their resistance to breaking down.