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The Hidden Danger in Our Faucets: 'Forever Chemicals' in U.S. Tap Water

  • armantabesh
  • Mar 2
  • 5 min read

In recent years, there have been increased concerns over the presence of “forever chemicals” in American’s tap water. These chemicals, formally called Perfluoroalkyl/polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), have become recognized as a major threat in tap water systems across the United States. Their now apparent presence in tap water, tied with evidence of these PFAS being tied to cancer, displays a concerning problem that could be one of the most prevalent  public health challenges, currently. 



What Are Forever Chemicals?

PFAS are a type of synthetic chemical that are used mostly in industrial-made products, from cookware and cleaning products, to waterproof fabrics and shampoos. Their name, “forever chemicals,” comes from their incredibly long half-lives(The amount of time that it takes one half of the atoms present to decay) in the environment and in human bodies: up to a 1000 years. Even small exposures to PFAS can lead to significant health risks as they remain in your body throughout life. 





The Current Situation in the U.S.

Recent studies have looked into the extent of PFAS’ contamination in our nation’s tap water supply. According to a study done by the Keck School of Medicine in USC, PFAS have been detected in about 45% of drinking water systems across the United States. Communities exposed to PFAS-contaminated water experience up to a 33% higher chance of getting certain types of cancer. Additionally, a study from the Environmental Protection Agency(EPA) stated that PFAS contamination in water leads to about 6,900 additional cancer cases per year in the United States. 




The Chemicals Behind the Concern

Not all chemicals are created equal—some have been studied more extensively than others, while a few have only recently begun to attract scientific attention. Here are a few specific chemicals that have been linked to increased cancer risks:

  • Perfluorobutanesulfonic Acid (PFBS): This particular chemical has been associated with a 33% higher incidence of mouth and throat cancers in exposed communities. PFBS is often found in industrial applications and consumer products alike.


  • Other Non PFAS Compounds in Water: Arsenic is one of the most common chemicals that are in the tap water of all 50 states. It comes from natural deposits from the Earth as well as industrial or farming pollution. Arsenic is a deadly carcinogen that causes thousands of cancer cases in the U.S. per year. Nitrate is another compound that is found in the water of all but one state, with around 263 million Americans drinking nitrate-containing water yearly. Nitrate is listed as a possible carcinogen and known to cause harm to fetal growth and child development. These are just two of the common chemicals that are present in our water. You can read a larger list here. 

 


How Are PFAS Regulated?

The U.S. is evolving with their regulation of PFAS and other chemicals in tap water. Currently, the EPA is working on monitoring and regulating these chemicals. In 2024, the EPA started to police levels of six types of PFAS in drinking water. The legal limit is usually around 5-10 ppb(parts per billion) Despite this progress, experts argue that stricter regulations are needed to fully protect tap water purity. 






Impact on Everyday Life

For the majority of Americans, the issue of ‘forever chemical’ contamination is a daily reality that affects how they live. Residents in majorly affected areas often face tough decisions about their water consumption and overall quality of life. Here are some ways in which communities are mitigating the presence of PFAS in their tap water:


1. Reliance on Other Sources of Water

About 20% of Americans elect to drink only bottled water, most likely to reduce exposure to the harmful chemicals in tap water. Others choose to invest in advanced filtration systems. While these solutions can reduce exposure, they come with their own set of challenges. Bottled water is more expensive than tap water, and comes with its own issue with microplastics in plastic bottles. Home filtration systems, on the other hand, can be incredibly expensive and vary widely in their effectiveness against PFAS.  

 

2. Increased Public Awareness and Advocacy

The rise of environmental advocacy groups such as the EWG has been a silver lining amid the issue. Public pressure has led to more rigorous governmental testing protocols and, in some cases, the closures of industrial sites known to be PFAS hotspots.  

 



Looking to the Future: Solutions and Mitigation

 

Strengthening Regulatory Oversight

Weak regulatory oversight is one of the main reasons why we have this ‘forever chemical’ issue in the first place. As of now, there are only six PFAS that have legally enforceable maximum contaminant levels. However, there are over 15,000 PFAS, so there is plenty more research to be done and regulations to put in place, along with restrictions on the creation of these synthetic PFAS in the first place.



Advancing Water Treatment Technologies

Scientists have been working on developing new water treatment technologies capable of effectively removing PFAS and other chemicals from drinking water for years. Some of the most common techniques such as granular activated carbon filtration, ion exchange,  high-pressure membrane systems, and reverse osmosis(all are very interesting scientifically and involve a similar premise) have shown great promise in reducing PFAS levels. Investment in these technologies on a national level to support our country’s tap water system will be essential to provide truly safe drinking water. In the meantime, purchasing a water filter could be a worthy investment!





Collaboration Between Government and NGOs

Collaboration between government agencies, the private sector, and academic institutions would rapidly accelerate the development of PFAS mitigation technologies. Partnerships to share research findings, pool resources together, and implement large-scale cleanup projects. would not only help reduce PFAS levels in the environment but also build public trust in the measures being taken to protect community health.







Conclusion

 PFAS contamination in tap water has posed a serious and immediate public health threat across the United States. The carcinogenic nature of these chemicals, along with the fact that they never leave the body are the two key reasons why urgent steps need to be taken to mitigate its impact through strict regulation of the chemicals in tap water systems and improved water treatment technologies. National funding and research to develop and deliver widespread advanced water filtration systems seem like the next necessary step to protect public health. Collaboration between government agencies, NGOs, and private businesses are also crucial to drive efficient and rapid change and restore trust back in our water systems. Ultimately, tackling the ‘forever chemical’ problem requires a proactive approach so that we can ensure that every American has access to safe, clean drinking water.


 

 


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