PFAS in drinking water is an important issue in Michigan, as numerous cities face contamination from these harmful chemicals.
PFAS contamination in Michigan’s drinking water is a significant concern, with several cities impacted. Michigan has established maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for seven PFAS compounds and requires public water supplies to monitor and treat for these contaminants.
In this article, we will explore the extent of PFAS contamination in Michigan, the state’s regulatory efforts, and the steps that residents can take to protect themselves from exposure to these pollutants.
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PFAS in Michigan Drinking Water
What Cities Have PFAS in Drinking Water?
PFAS contamination has been found in various cities in Michigan, including Rockford, Oscoda, and Grayling. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has been working diligently to test drinking water supplies and address PFAS issues across the state.
| City/County | Contaminated Site |
| Grayling | US Army National Guard Camp Grayling |
| Oscoda | Former Wurtsmith Air Force Base |
| Rockford | Former Wolverine Worldwide, Inc. Tannery and Disposal Sites |
Please note that this table only includes some of the cities and counties with PFAS contamination in Michigan, based on the information you provided. There may be additional areas impacted by PFAS contamination in the state.
What Is Michigan Doing About PFAS Contamination?
Michigan has been proactive in regulating PFAS in drinking water, establishing maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for seven PFAS compounds in August 2020. The MCLs apply to approximately 2,700 public drinking water supplies in Michigan. The state uses these MCLs to evaluate both public water supplies and private residential wells. When contaminant levels exceed the MCL, actions must be taken to reduce the contamination and protect public health. Michigan has also provided technical assistance, alternate water supplies, and water filters to affected residents.
Overview of PFAS
What Are PFAS
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of synthetic chemicals that have been widely used since the 1940s in various consumer products and industrial applications, such as non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, and firefighting foams. They are known as “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment and their resistance to degradation.
How Do PFAS Get into Drinking Water
PFAS can enter drinking water sources through various pathways, including industrial discharges, landfill leachate, and firefighting foam used at military bases and airports. Once released into the environment, PFAS can contaminate soil, groundwater, and surface water, leading to the contamination of drinking water supplies.
Health Effects of PFAS
Exposure to PFAS has been linked to several health problems, including:
- Increased cholesterol levels
- Decreased vaccine response in children
- Increased risk of kidney and testicular cancer
- Changes in liver enzymes
- Increased risk of thyroid disease
To learn more about the health effects of PFAS, visit WebMD’s PFAS guide.
PFAS Drinking Water Standards
What Is the Standard for PFAS in Drinking Water in Michigan
In August 2020, Michigan established MCLs for seven PFAS compounds under the authority of the Safe Drinking Water Act. The MCLs for each compound are as follows:
| PFAS Compound | MCL (parts per trillion) |
| PFNA | 6 ppt |
| PFOA | 8 ppt |
| PFHxA | 400,000 ppt |
| PFOS | 16 ppt |
| PFHxS | 51 ppt |
| PFBS | 420 ppt |
| HFPO-DA | 370 ppt |
What Is the EPA Drinking Water Standard for PFAS?
Prior to Michigan establishing its own PFAS MCLs, the state used the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Lifetime Health Advisory (LHA) level of 70 ppt for decision-making purposes. The USEPA LHA standard applies to perfluorooctane sulfonate and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOS and PFOA) combined or individually if only one is present. Learn more about the USEPA’s LHA for PFOA and PFOS at the EPA website.
What Can I Do About PFAS?
PFAS Treatment Methods for Homeowners
There are
several treatment options available for homeowners to reduce PFAS levels in their drinking water. These include:
- Activated carbon filters: Effective at removing many PFAS compounds, these filters can be installed as point-of-use (POU) devices on a single faucet or as whole-house systems.
- Reverse osmosis (RO) systems: RO systems use a semi-permeable membrane to filter out contaminants, including PFAS. They are typically installed as POU devices under the kitchen sink.
- Ion exchange (IX) systems: These systems use a specialized resin to remove PFAS from water. They can be installed as POU devices or as whole-house systems.
How to Test Your Water for PFAS
If you suspect PFAS contamination in your drinking water, you can:
- Contact your local health department or water provider for information on testing in your area.
- Hire a certified laboratory to conduct PFAS testing on your water sample. A list of certified labs can be found on the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy website.
Conclusion
PFAS contamination in drinking water is a growing concern in Michigan, with several cities affected by these chemicals. Michigan has taken proactive steps to regulate PFAS in drinking water, setting MCLs for seven compounds and requiring public water supplies to monitor and treat for these contaminants.
Homeowners can also take action to reduce PFAS exposure by installing treatment systems and testing their water for PFAS. By staying informed and taking appropriate measures, Michigan residents can protect their health and the environment from the impacts of PFAS contamination.