PFAS FAQs
Background on PFAS forever chemicals
On April 10, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a new rule establishing new drinking water regulations for six compounds: PFOA, PFOS, HFPO (Gen X), PFBS, PFNA and PFHxS. These compounds are all part of a class of chemicals, collectively called PFAS (pronounced Pee-Fas) and more commonly called “forever chemicals.”
PFAS are commonly used in food packaging, clothing, cosmetics, non-stick cookware and fire fighting foam. In some parts of the country, these chemicals have been sprayed on the ground or dumped by manufacturers for decades. They are now being found in some watersheds especially near manufacturers, airports and military bases.
PFAS compounds break down very slowly and have been detected in water across the nation.
FAQs
Federal regulators believe that exposure to some PFAS in the environment may be linked to harmful health effects in humans and animals. Research into human exposure and health impacts of PFAS is still being conducted.
The EPA set maximum limits in public drinking water for six compounds called PFAS (Pee-Fas) or “forever chemicals.”
The compounds will have numeric limits:
- PFOA and PFOS at 4 parts per trillion (ppt)
- PFNA, PFHxS, and GenX at 10 parts per trillion
- There is also a hazard index, a calculated ratio, for a mixture of four compounds: PFNA, PFHxS, GenX, and PFBS.
For perspective, one part per trillion is equal to one second in 32,000 years.
These limits will go into effect in 5 years in order to give public water systems time to comply with the new regulation, which could include building additional treatment facilities. In addition, public water systems must conduct monitoring for the regulated PFAS.
All public water systems must follow the new rules. The EPA estimates that between 4,100 and 6,700 systems will have to make treatment adjustments under the new rule at a collective cost of approximately $1.5 billion annually.
Source: EPA PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (PDF)
BJWSA has proactively been monitoring for PFAS compounds for many years, and data is available on the website here: PFAS Monitoring Results (PDF).
We have detected low levels for three of the regulated compounds at concentrations both above and below the new MCLs. The other regulated compounds were all below detectable levels.
We are continuing to collect data. However, it is important to note the new levels are calculated based on lifetime exposure with significant levels of safety built in and therefore do not indicate an immediate health concern.
BJWSA is planning to install additional treatment to reduce PFAS levels below the new MCL and those technologies will be in use before the 2029 deadline.
There is no need for you to take any action. Alternative water sources are not necessary. There is no need to boil your water.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the U.S. EPA estimates that drinking water represents 20 percent of American exposure to PFAS chemicals with 80 percent of exposure coming from food and food packaging, cookware, cosmetics and other sources.
You may choose to limit your exposure by taking the following steps:
- Avoid PFAS in food and food wrappers
- Don’t buy cosmetics, lotions or dental floss that contain PFAS
- Reduce the use of cookware and clothing with that contain PFAS coatings
- Read labels with PFAS in mind
- The EPA has also produced a fact sheet about in-home water filters that you can find by clicking here: Reducing PFAS in Your Drinking Water with a Home Filter (PDF)
BJWSA is continuing to collect samples and analyze test results. At this time, we are also evaluating and planning for treatment expansions to be designed and constructed during the 5-year compliance window before the new limits go into effect. This will help ensure reduction of PFAS levels to below the new MCL.
We will add PFAS reporting results to our Consumer Confidence Report for water produced in 2024 and beyond.
You may visit our website for more information about PFAS here: Emerging Contaminants.
The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control and the EPA provide reliable information about water.
Their websites are: