Carcinogens Found in U.S. Drinking Water Sources, Study Shows

A recent report by the Waterkeeper Alliance has found carcinogenic PFAS chemicals—known as “forever chemicals”—in drinking water sources across 34 states and the District of Columbia, raising concern about public health risks.

The study, released in June, detected PFAS in 83 percent of waterways tested, with particularly high levels in Michigan, South Carolina and North Carolina. Many samples exceeded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s new maximum contaminant levels of four parts per trillion for certain PFAS compounds, such as PFOA and PFOS.

PFAS, widely used in consumer goods like nonstick cookware and stain-resistant fabrics, have been linked to cancer, thyroid disease and other serious illnesses. Despite enforceable limits announced by the EPA in April, public water systems have until 2029 to comply with treatment standards.

Jennifer Freeman, a professor of toxicology at Purdue University, expert in PFAS exposure, and Institute for a Sustainable Future co-lead of the PFAS Strategic Research Team, told Newsweek the findings were not surprising given the long history of PFAS use. “As we collect and analyze more sampling data, we are attaining a more thorough picture of which PFAS are being detected and where their hotspots of higher concentrations are located,” Freeman said. She added that while individuals can reduce PFAS exposure in some consumer products, those living in high-risk areas should use filtration systems to reduce contaminants in drinking water.

The Waterkeeper Alliance report called for more aggressive treatment and monitoring, emphasizing that exposure during pregnancy and early childhood carries heightened risks.

Read the full Newsweek article for further information and a map of states where PFAS was detected in drinking water.