The High Cost of PFAS Removal

Every five years, the EPA must select 30 unregulated contaminants to monitor in public water systems, with 29 of the current contaminants being PFAS. This monitoring highlights the widespread presence of PFAS in water supplies.

The EPA has conducted over 22,500 tests across about 3,800 of the 154,000 public drinking water systems in the U.S. They found at least one of the newly regulated PFAS in 22% of those systems, and around 16% exceeded the new limits, particularly in East Coast states.

According to the new EPA regulations, public water systems have until 2027 to complete PFAS monitoring and make the results public. If PFAS levels exceed the established limits, treatment systems must be operational by 2029.

The financial implications for public water systems and their customers remain uncertain, but the EPA estimates compliance costs at approximately $1.5 billion annually. Other sources, like the American Water Works Association, suggest total costs, including testing and cleanup, could exceed $3.8 billion each year for PFOS and PFOA alone.

While more than 5,000 chemicals are classified as PFAS, only a limited number have undergone toxicity assessments, with even fewer tested in drinking water. Estimates from the U.S. Geological Survey indicate that nearly half of all tap water is tainted with PFAS.

Some federal funding will support testing and cleanup, alongside financial contributions from companies like 3M and DuPont. 3M has committed to a settlement ranging from $10.5 billion to $12.5 billion to assist public water systems with PFAS-related testing and treatment. Nevertheless, these systems will still incur substantial costs, which will ultimately affect residents.

The Challenge of Disposing of PFAS

A pressing concern is the disposal of filtered PFAS waste. While landfills are an option, they merely transfer the problem to future generations. PFAS are termed "forever chemicals" due to their durability and inability to break down naturally.

Research indicates that PFAS can be dismantled using energy-intensive methods, but these approaches are costly. Incineration requires temperatures exceeding 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit (1,000 degrees Celsius) to eliminate PFAS, and the potential generation of harmful byproducts remains inadequately understood. Alternative methods, like supercritical water oxidation and plasma reactors, face similar challenges.

Responsibility for managing PFAS waste will likely rest with public drinking water systems. On April 19, 2024, the EPA designated PFOA and PFOS as eligible for Superfund status, allowing companies responsible for contamination to be held accountable for cleanup. However, wastewater treatment facilities and public landfills will not be targeted for enforcement.

How to Safeguard Your Home from PFAS

While using bottled water might seem like an immediate solution to avoid PFAS exposure, a recent study revealed that even bottled water can contain these harmful substances. The Food and Drug Administration, which regulates bottled water, currently lacks standards for PFAS.

Instead, consider using the same technologies that treatment facilities employ:

• Activated Carbon: This material resembles charcoal and can absorb PFAS from water, similar to refrigerator and some pitcher filters like Brita or PUR. Be cautious, as not all refrigerator filters are certified for PFAS removal.
• Ion Exchange Resin: Found in many home water softeners, this technology also captures PFAS and is available in various pitcher filters. For a whole-house solution, consider having a plumber install an ion exchange resin system, though it can be costly.
• Reverse Osmosis: This membrane technology selectively allows water and certain compounds to pass through while blocking PFAS. Often installed at kitchen sinks, it has proven effective in removing most PFAS, though it may not be suitable for whole-house treatment.

If you rely on a private well rather than a public water system, you are not exempt from PFAS contamination. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources estimates that 71% of shallow private wells in the state are contaminated. Testing well water for PFAS can be expensive, with lab fees ranging from $300 to $600 per sample, posing a financial barrier for many well owners.

Regardless of the treatment option you choose, ensure it is certified for PFAS removal by a reputable agency and adhere to maintenance and filter replacement recommendations. Unfortunately, there is currently no safe disposal method for used filters, meaning they end up in the trash. While no treatment method is flawless, implementing some form of treatment is better than having no protection at all.

This article originates from The Conversation, a nonprofit news organization focused on providing context for current events. Learn more about them or subscribe to their weekly newsletter.

Kyle Doudrick has received funding from the Department of Defense, the National Science Foundation, and the Semiconductor Research Corporation.