Water Quality and PFAS  (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances)

PFAS have been widely used since the 1940s in many consumer and industrial products, including non-stick cookware, food packaging, stain-resistant fabrics, firefighting foams, cosmetics, and industrial manufacturing processes.

Because of their widespread use, PFAS can enter the environment through industrial activities, firefighting foam use, wastewater discharges, landfill disposal, and everyday use of PFAS-containing products. PFAS break down very slowly and can persist in soil, groundwater, surface water, and the food chain for many years, leading to their nickname, “forever chemicals.”

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), scientific studies suggest that exposure to certain PFAS may be linked to adverse health effects. However, research is ongoing, and scientists continue to learn more about how different PFAS affect human health.

Many health conditions associated with PFAS exposure can also be caused by other factors, making it difficult to determine whether PFAS exposure is the direct cause of a specific health outcome.

At this time, scientists do not fully understand the long-term health impacts of PFAS exposure. If you believe you have been exposed to elevated levels of PFAS, discuss your concerns with your healthcare provider.

Your doctor can recommend appropriate health screenings and monitor any symptoms or conditions that may require medical attention.

Parents with questions about PFAS exposure and children’s health should consult their pediatrician.

While PFAS are widespread in the environment, there are steps you can take to reduce future exposure:

• Stay informed about local drinking water quality.
• Consider using a water treatment system certified to reduce PFAS if PFAS are present in your drinking water.
• Follow public health guidance regarding PFAS.
• Limit the use of products known to contain PFAS when alternatives are available.
• Maintain regular medical check-ups and recommended health screenings.
• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and routine preventive healthcare, remains one of the most important ways to support overall health.

Private wells are not regulated or routinely monitored by government agencies or water providers. It is the responsibility of the well-owner to ensure that their drinking water is safe.

Routine water testing is recommended, particularly if you have concerns about PFAS or other contaminants. Professional sampling and laboratory testing can help reduce the risk of inaccurate results caused by sample contamination.

If PFAS are detected in your well water, you may consider installing a treatment system certified to reduce PFAS in drinking and cooking water.

According to the EPA, only negligible amounts of PFAS are absorbed through the skin. Activities such as showering, bathing, and washing dishes with water containing PFAS are unlikely to significantly increase health risks.

Well owners should also follow recommended maintenance practices and consult a licensed well professional when evaluating water quality concerns.

For more information about water filtration for PFAS, see guidance from https://www.nsf.org/consumer-resources/articles/pfas-drinking-water.

For more information about safely maintaining your well and concerns related to PFAS, work with a licensed professional to have the water well tested and treated if needed.   Testing the well yourself can provide false positive results due to cross contamination of the sample. 

For additional information on well testing and sampling in Sonoma County:  https://sonomacounty.gov/health-and-human-services/health-services/divisions/public-health/environmental-health/programs-and-services/well-water-quality/well-water-testing

Private well owners should carefully evaluate any treatment decisions and follow guidance provided by public health agencies, qualified professionals, and laboratories.

Improperly installed or poorly maintained treatment systems can create additional water quality, plumbing, and maintenance concerns.

PFAS compounds have become an emerging groundwater quality issue nationwide. Because groundwater is an important drinking water source in many parts of Sonoma County, Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSAs) are monitoring regulatory developments and coordinating with water suppliers, County agencies, and regulatory partners regarding PFAS-related information.

GSAs do not regulate drinking water quality or operate public drinking water systems. However, GSAs work to support sustainable groundwater management and may help facilitate regional coordination, information sharing, groundwater monitoring discussions, and public outreach related to groundwater conditions.

Public water system regulation and drinking water compliance responsibilities remain under the authority of drinking water utilities and the California State Water Resources Control Board’s Division of Drinking Water.

No. PFAS have become a nationwide and worldwide issue affecting many groundwater basins, rivers, lakes, and drinking water systems. Federal and state agencies across the country are currently evaluating monitoring, treatment, and regulatory responses.