Millions of People in Lower 48 States May Be Relying on PFAS-Contaminated Groundwater for Drinking [Video]

Roughly 71 to 95 million people living in the contiguous United States — more than one-fifth of the population — may be reliant on groundwater with detectable concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) for their drinking water, according to a new study by the U.S Geological Survey (USGS).

The research provides the first national estimates of PFAS in untreated groundwater that serves as a water supply for public and private wells, a press release from USGS said. The study also gives the first estimate of how many people in the U.S. are potentially affected by groundwater contaminated with PFAS.

“This study’s findings indicate widespread PFAS contamination in groundwater that is used for public and private drinking water supplies in the U.S.,” said lead author of the study Andrea Tokranov, a USGS research hydrologist, in the press release.

The results can help consumers, regulators and water suppliers understand the potential for contamination from PFAS, inform strategic water resources planning …