In a bustling city that never sleeps, a hidden threat lurks right in our kitchens and bathrooms. The issue at hand is more than just a matter of taste or convenience – it’s a matter of public health. We’re talking about the concerning presence of PFAS in New York’s drinking water. This is a crisis you cannot afford to overlook.
PFAS have been found in the drinking water in parts of New York. Long-term exposure to these substances can lead to adverse health effects. Both local and state-level efforts are ongoing to manage the presence of these chemicals in the water supply, and residents are encouraged to seek out additional information about their specific water sources for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
This article will dive deep into the unspoken reality of PFAS contamination in the drinking water of New York. We’ll explore what PFAS are, where they come from, and why they pose a significant risk to our health. In addition, we will discuss the regulatory landscape and actions being taken to address this issue, along with practical steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones.
It’s time to pull the veil back on the invisible yet potent threat of PFAS in our water systems. Stay with us as we unravel this alarming issue.
Read my related articles:
A Deep Dive into PFAS in New Hampshire Drinking Water
A Silent Threat: The Startling Presence of PFAS in Kansas Drinking Water
PFAS in New York Drinking Water
What Cities have PFAS in Drinking Water?
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), man-made chemicals used in a variety of industries, have been detected in the drinking water of several cities across New York. While it’s not confined to any specific region, the prevalence can vary based on a number of factors, including local industries, water sources, and waste management practices. As of 2021, the exact list of cities with detected PFAS in their drinking water may have changed due to ongoing mitigation efforts and changes in detection technology. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, residents are encouraged to consult resources provided by their local health departments or water providers.
What is New York Doing About PFAS Contamination?
The State of New York is proactive in its efforts to address the issue of PFAS contamination in its drinking water. The key actions taken include:
- Development of Drinking Water Standards: New York State has been developing drinking water standards, or maximum contaminant levels (MCLs), to address these contaminants. The two most common PFAS, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), are at the forefront of this development.
- Enforcement of Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs): Public drinking water supplies that test above the established MCLs for PFOA or PFOS must undergo treatment to reduce the contaminant levels below the MCLs. Regular monitoring and regulatory limits are enforced to ensure compliance.
- Evolution of Standards: The Department of Health (DOH) continues to review the evolving science around the health risks associated with drinking water contaminants. In tandem with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other states, New York regularly updates or develops additional drinking water standards as needed to protect public health.
These measures reflect New York’s commitment to maintaining safe drinking water standards that are protective, reliable, and enforceable. They are aimed at ensuring the water New Yorkers consume daily is free from harmful contaminants to the greatest extent possible.
Overview of PFAS
What Are PFAS?
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, are a group of human-made chemicals that have been in use since the 1940s. The term PFAS encompasses a wide array of chemicals, but the two most common and well-studied types are perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS).
Due to their unique properties, such as resistance to heat, water, and oil, PFAS have been widely used in a plethora of products. These include, but are not limited to:
- Non-stick cookware
- Stain-resistant fabrics and carpets
- Water-repellant clothing
- Certain types of firefighting foam
Despite their wide use, PFAS are not naturally occurring substances. They are not easily broken down, earning them the nickname “forever chemicals.”
How do PFAS Get into Drinking Water?
PFAS can get into drinking water through a variety of pathways. Here’s a simplified table showing the common sources and their related PFAS contamination pathway:
Source | Contamination Pathway |
Industrial Sites | PFAS-containing waste may seep into groundwater or be released into air or surface water. |
Firefighting Foams | Used in training or response to fire incidents, these can leach into soil and contaminate water supplies. |
Landfills | Leachate from landfills containing PFAS-laden products may contaminate groundwater. |
Consumer Products | Improper disposal or degradation of PFAS-containing products can result in PFAS entering water sources. |
These are just a few examples of how PFAS can find their way into our drinking water, emphasizing the need for comprehensive strategies to manage and reduce PFAS usage and waste.
Health Effects of PFAS
Long-term exposure to PFAS can lead to a variety of health concerns. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, some of the potential health effects of PFAS exposure include:
- Effects on the immune system
- Hormone disruption
- Increased cholesterol levels
- Increased risk of certain cancers
For a more comprehensive understanding of the potential health implications of PFAS, refer to this WebMD article. It’s crucial to note that research is ongoing, and our understanding of these chemicals and their impact on human health is still evolving. Therefore, precautionary measures to reduce exposure, especially through key pathways like drinking water, are of utmost importance.
PFAS Drinking Water Standards
Drinking water standards act as our society’s best judgment of how much of a potentially harmful contaminant is safe to consume. These standards provide critical insights into the safety of our water and food, and they offer a quantifiable measure to mitigate health risks associated with various contaminants.
This is particularly important in the case of PFAS, where we’re balancing the need for industrial efficiency with the fundamental requirement for safe, clean water.
What is the Standard for PFAS in Drinking Water in New York?
In 2020, New York State Department of Health (DOH) established maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) of 10 parts per trillion (10 ppt) each for PFOA and PFOS. These MCLs are some of the most stringent in the United States. This means that if levels of either of these PFAS exceed this limit in public drinking water, action must be taken to bring them below these thresholds.
Commissioner Basil Seggos of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) also announced the issuance of final water quality guidance values for PFOA, PFOS, and 1,4-Dioxane in state waters. The guidance values offer additional protection to ambient waters used as drinking water sources, and they underscore the state’s ongoing efforts to safeguard public health and the environment from emerging contaminants.
The guidance values are initially being incorporated into requirements for industrial discharges under the State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (SPDES) permit, thereby reducing the potential contribution of harmful levels of emerging contaminants in the environment.
Commissioner Seggos emphasized the DEC’s commitment to the latest science on emerging contaminants, asserting that these stringent water quality requirements will “prioritize the health and well-being of our communities and ecosystems.”
What is the EPA Drinking Water Standard for PFAS?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has also provided guidance on PFAS. Their guidance levels are health advisory levels, which serve as non-enforceable and non-regulatory guidelines. You can find more details on the EPA’s standards for PFAS.
New York State’s stringent approach, characterized by its robust MCLs and ongoing efforts to control industrial discharges of emerging contaminants, complements the national efforts by the EPA. This multi-layered approach, focusing on both local and national efforts, seeks to provide the safest possible drinking water for all residents.
What Can I Do About PFAS?
Fortunately, we are not helpless against these persistent pollutants. There are several effective steps you can take to guard yourself and your loved ones from these potentially harmful “forever chemicals.”
Let’s delve into three significant ways you can make a difference.
PFAS Treatment Methods for Homeowners
As homeowners, you can take direct action to mitigate PFAS exposure through your drinking water. Here are three of the most effective ways to reduce PFAS in your home’s water supply:
- Reverse Osmosis Systems: These systems utilize a semi-permeable membrane to filter out many contaminants, including PFAS.
- Activated Carbon Filters: While not as effective as reverse osmosis, these filters can reduce levels of PFAS in water.
- Ion Exchange Technology: This method can be effective but is often used in conjunction with other treatments, like activated carbon filters.
Keep in mind that no single treatment can remove all contaminants, and each method has its strengths and weaknesses. Here’s a simplified comparison:
Method | Pros | Cons |
Reverse Osmosis | Highly effective against many contaminants | Expensive, generates wastewater |
Activated Carbon Filters | Cost-effective, easy to install | Not as effective as RO, needs frequent replacement |
Ion Exchange Technology | Can be tailored to specific contaminants | High maintenance, may need additional treatments |
How to Test for PFAS
Testing your water is the first step towards ensuring it is safe to drink. Here are some steps you can follow:
- Reach out to your local health department or water provider. They may already have data about PFAS in your area.
- If necessary, consider hiring a certified lab to test your water. Make sure they can test for PFAS specifically.
- Once you have your results, compare them to the standards set by New York State and the EPA.
Stay Informed
Staying informed about PFAS and the measures being taken to control them is crucial. Keep up with local news, attend community meetings related to water safety, and consider reaching out to your local representatives to voice any concerns.
In the face of a contaminant as persistent as PFAS, information is a powerful tool. It not only allows you to protect your household effectively but also enables you to advocate for wider, community-level change. The more we know, the better equipped we are to ensure the safety of our water and our health.
FAQs
What states have the worst PFAS?
The occurrence of PFAS can vary significantly from state to state, largely depending on industrial history, usage of firefighting foam, and wastewater treatment methods. As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, some of the states with notable PFAS contamination include Michigan, California, and New Jersey. However, because PFAS are widespread, many states are dealing with these contaminants to some degree.
How do I know if there are PFAS in my water?
The only surefire way to know if your water contains PFAS is to have it tested. Reach out to your local water provider or health department to see if they have information about PFAS in your water. If not, you may want to consider hiring a certified lab to perform the testing. Always make sure the lab can specifically test for PFAS.
Where is PFAS found in the United States?
PFAS are widespread and have been found in various locations across the United States. They are often detected in areas near facilities that manufactured or used PFAS, airports or military bases where firefighting foam containing PFAS was used, and near wastewater treatment plants. However, because PFAS are persistent and can travel far distances in the environment, they can be found even in areas where there are no obvious sources.
Final Take
Navigating the world of PFAS in our drinking water can be complex and often alarming. Yet, as we’ve explored in this article, there are numerous proactive steps being taken in New York and beyond to address this issue, from implementing stringent water standards to advancing technologies for water treatment.
As a consumer, understanding PFAS and their potential effects on health and the environment is vital. Your awareness, combined with practical actions such as water testing and treatment, can go a long way in safeguarding your family’s health.
New York State continues to evolve its approach to PFAS in drinking water, developing and implementing standards and measures to protect public health. Meanwhile, keep informed, stay vigilant, and remember: each one of us has a crucial role in ensuring the quality of our water.