USGS estimates 20% of U.S. population relies on PFAS contaminated drinking water

By April Ehrlich | OPB | November 16, 2024

Read the full article by April Ehrlich (OPB)

"About 800,000 Oregonians might rely on private or public well water contaminated by toxic chemicals called “forever chemicals,” or PFAS, according to a federal study.

Researchers with the U.S. Geological Survey analyzed over 1,200 untreated groundwater samples across the country, then used those results to predict how surrounding regions may be impacted. They published their results in late October.

Compared to other states, Oregon ranks 25th for the number of people using water from public or private wells that are possibly contaminated with PFAS. Washington ranks 9th, with an estimated 3.1 million people using potentially contaminated groundwater."

This content provided by the PFAS Project.

Location:

• North AmericaUS
• North AmericaUSOregon

Topics:

• ChemicalsPFAS
• Environment
• Wildlife
• ImpactDrinking water
• ImpactDrinking waterPrivate wells
• Health
• Measurement Techniques
• Monitoring Data
• PFAS Uses