Dozens of Texas water systems exceed new federal limits on “forever chemicals”

By Alejandra Martinez | The Texas Tribune | April 17, 2024

Read the full article by Alejandra Martinez (The Texas Tribune)

“In Texas, 49 public water utility systems have reported surpassing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s first-ever limits for five ‘forever chemicals’ in drinking water, according to data submitted to the federal agency.

Experts say there are likely more since not all water systems have submitted their data.

PFAS, or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are widespread and long lasting in the environment. They are called ‘forever chemicals’ because they don’t break down and can persist in water and soil, and even human blood indefinitely. The chemicals have been used since the 1940s to repel oil and water and resist heat. They have been included in thousands of household products from nonstick cookware to industrial products like firefighting foam."

This content provided by the PFAS Project.

Location:

• North AmericaUSTexas

Topics:

• ChemicalsPFAS
• Environment
• Wildlife
• Affected community
• Health
• HealthEndocrine Disruption
• Regulations
• RegulationsStandards
• AgenciesEPA
• Measurement Techniques
• Monitoring Data
• PFAS Uses