In Pennsylvania, recent tests have shown alarming levels of PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, in the drinking water of several communities, raising health and safety concerns. PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals,” are linked to several health problems, including cancers and thyroid disease, due to their persistence in the environment and the human body.
Statewide testing, mandated by both state and new federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations, found that nearly 19% of the water systems tested between January and March of 2024 detected PFAS levels above the new stringent federal limits. This analysis covered 1,059 water systems, revealing that 27 of these systems exceeded even the less strict state standards.
The most severe contamination was recorded at the Brookside Village Mobile Home Park in Berwick, Columbia County, where PFAS levels ranged from 200 to 2,100 parts per trillion—dramatically surpassing the new federal cap of 4 parts per trillion set for certain PFAS types. These levels are also significantly higher than Pennsylvania’s limits of 14 parts per trillion for PFOA and 18 parts for PFOS.
The impact is widespread across various counties, with significant readings in Bucks, Chester, and Montgomery counties, notably in areas with historical use of firefighting foams, such as military bases. Despite efforts to manage PFAS contamination, many smaller municipalities and communities continue to report higher levels, potentially due to limited resources for advanced filtration systems.
In response, affected communities are advised to take immediate measures such as providing bottled water and installing home filtration systems. Water providers have a three-year window to conduct further tests and two additional years to implement necessary treatment systems to comply with the updated regulations. The state’s Department of Environmental Protection is collaborating with local water authorities to expedite solutions to reduce PFAS to acceptable levels.
Source: PA DEP