PFAS in San Francisco Bay Water

By Miguel Mendez, Martin Trinh, Ezra Miller, Diana Lin, and Rebecca Sutton | San Fransisco Estuary Institute & The Aquatic Science Center | November 14, 2022

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"Scientists with the San Francisco Bay Regional Monitoring Program (RMP) detected PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” at parts per trillion concentrations in the waters of the Bay. A recent report finds the contaminants present in Bay water including the well-studied PFOS and PFOA, as well as their replacements.

These compounds are persistent and toxic; levels in Bay water do not appear to pose risks to wildlife. However, measured concentrations do suggest possible concern for people who eat fish from the Bay regularly. PFAS have been detected in Bay sport fish, bird eggs, and harbor seals, and in wastewater and stormwater discharges. Bay Area wastewater agencies are partnering with the RMP on a study of the sources of PFAS to wastewater treatment plants. Preliminary results point to the importance of dealing with PFAS as a class, as well as the importance of source control to reduce human exposure to PFAS."