The month of October brings with it spooky traditions and there’s one ancient practice that adds a touch of magic to the season: water witching.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a family of synthetic chemicals used to resist heat and repel water, grease, and oil.
PFAS were invented in the 1930s and proliferated throughout the following decades. Largely due to the success of these chemicals for their intended uses, these toxins have been widely used over the decades in household items like nonstick cookware, waterproof jackets, cosmetics, and food packaging. They’re also used in industrial products like firefighting foam.
Over decades, these chemicals have seeped into and contaminated our waterways, soil, and air. Today, it’s estimated that over 97% of Americans have PFAS in their blood, including infants.
Scientists claim that PFAS can remain in the human body for a lifetime and in the environment for thousands of years. It’s for this reason that they’ve earned the nickname “Forever Chemicals.”
Are PFAS Chemicals Harmful?

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), the potential health effects of PFAS may include (but aren’t limited to) immune and developmental issues for children, increased blood pressure levels or preeclampsia in pregnant women, and certain types of cancers.
The levels at which a person is exposed to PFAS vary based on several factors, including their location and occupation. This means that people living or working near a property contaminated with PFAS (military bases, fire-fighting training centers, or former industrial sites) could face significantly greater PFAS burdens.
The EPA has labeled PFAS a high priority for chemical safety. They will focus enforcement efforts on parties who are substantially contributing to PFAS pollution.
Much remains unclear about how PFAS impacts human health, and researchers are actively working to learn more.
Learn more about the EPA’s Actions to Address PFAS >
PFAS in Water: New PFAS Legislation Impacts Water Agencies

A 2023 study conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) estimates that at least 45% of the nation’s tap water contains one or more PFAS chemicals. According to researchers, there are over 12,000 types of these “forever chemicals,” the vast majority of which cannot be detected by current tests. As such, USGS tested for 32 different types.
Between 2016 and 2021, researchers collected tap water samples from 716 locations—both private and public supplies.
USGS research hydrologist Kelly Smalling, the study’s lead author, said:
“USGS scientists tested water collected directly from people’s kitchen sinks across the nation, providing the most comprehensive study to date on PFAS in tap water from both private wells and public supplies.”
The majority of the exposure occurred close to towns or cities and places where PFAS was likely emitted. These areas encompassed the Great Plains and Lakes, Eastern Seaboard, and Central/Southern California regions. This is in line with earlier research suggesting that people living in urban areas are more exposed to PFAS.
While this information can feel alarming, there is good news. The United States government has made critical steps toward addressing PFAS in the nation’s drinking water systems.
On April 10, 2024, the Biden-Harris administration announced the “first-ever national, legally enforceable drinking water standard to protect communities from exposure to harmful per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).”
According to the US EPA, the new standard comes as part of a $9B investment to help communities impacted by PFAS (and other contaminants) gain access to safe drinking water.
In a press release titled “Biden-Harris Administration Finalizes First-Ever National Drinking Water Standard to Protect 100M People from PFAS Pollution,” the US EPA said:
“All public water systems have three years to complete their initial monitoring for these chemicals. They must inform the public of the level of PFAS measured in their drinking water. Where PFAS is found at levels that exceed these standards, systems must implement solutions to reduce PFAS in their drinking water within five years.”
This kind of testing can be a financial hardship for municipalities impacted by the mandate.
In 2023, the EPA announced $2 billion in funding to help communities invest in PFAS testing and water treatment. In addition, an assistance program aimed at helping “small, rural, and disadvantaged communities” is available for those who qualify.
Learn more about the Water Technical Assistance Program >
Takeaway: This rule establishes legally enforceable levels for six PFAS chemicals in drinking water. Public water systems must monitor for these PFAS and have three years to complete initial monitoring (by 2027), followed by ongoing monitoring. Water systems must also share information on PFAS levels with the public beginning in 2027.
This new rule applies to the country’s 66,000 public water agencies, and the US EPA estimates that 4,100–6,700 of those systems will need to take action to meet the new standards.
Water engineering firms like Water Systems Consulting (WSC) are well-equipped to partner with communities and implement sustainable, high-quality solutions to the risks emerging contaminants pose today.
Contact Jennifer Rogers at WSC to discuss PFAS regulations >
How to Reduce Your Family’s Exposure to PFAS

This legislation is an important step to protect public health. However, the most effective solution is for companies to stop including PFAS in their products. There’s been progress on this front, but there’s a long way to go.
In the meantime, there are practical steps you can take to reduce your exposure to PFAS at home. They are as follows:
1. Make Small Changes in the Kitchen
- Replace non-stick cookware with safer alternatives such as cast-iron or enamel-coated cookware.
- Transfer takeout foods into glass, ceramic, or other non-plastic containers before reheating them.
- Look for takeout food packaging certified by the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) or bring your glass/ceramic container from home.
2. Read the Labels
- Seek out “waterproof,” “water-resistant,” or “stain-resistant” clothing labeled as “PFAS-free.”
- Look for “PFAS-free” fabric protection sprays.
- Look for PFAS-free alternatives to dental floss, cosmetics, and other personal care products.
- Call or email manufacturers to ask if they use PFAS chemicals.
- Choose household cleaning products with EPA Safer Choice, UL Eco-Logo, or Green Seal labels.
View this list of alternative options to products with PFAS products. >
3. Stay Informed
- Keep up to date on PFAS testing results conducted by your local water provider
- Stay updated on regional efforts to address forever chemicals by visiting your state’s environmental quality department or health authority.
Create a Better Water Future with WSC
WSC is an integrated engineering and strategic communications consulting firm that offers innovative solutions to address today’s most challenging water-related issues.
With a people-centered approach, WSC takes projects from the planning and design phases to project completion. We do this while engaging stakeholders in meaningful ways for optimal project outcomes.
We are a team of water engineers and communications professionals ready to help. Together, we can create a better water future.
If your agency needs support communicating about PFAS, contact Jennifer Rogers at jrogers@wsc-inc.com.