USGS Warns: Millions of Americans May Be Drinking Contaminated Water

By U.S. Geological Survey | October 30, 2024

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"An estimated 71 to 95 million people in the contiguous United States—over 20% of the nation’s population—may depend on groundwater containing detectable levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) for their drinking water. This data comes from a U.S. Geological Survey study published on October 24.

The predictive model results can help members of the public, water suppliers, and regulators understand the potential for PFAS contamination, guide future studies, and inform strategic planning for water resources.

USGS scientists are the first to report national estimates of PFAS occurrence in untreated groundwater that supplies water to public and private wells. This research also provides the first estimate of the number of people across the country who are potentially affected by PFAS-contaminated groundwater."