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Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of man-made chemicals that includes PFOA, PFOS, GenX, and many other chemicals. Examples of where PFAS can be found include cleaners, textiles, leather, paper and paints, fire-fighting foams, and wire insulation.
On April 10, 2024 EPA announced the final National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (see more info below) establishing legally enforceable Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for six PFAS in drinking water. Waterworks will have three years to complete initial monitoring (by 2027), followed by ongoing compliance monitoring. Waterworks will have five years (by 2029) to implement solution that reduce PFAS levels if monitoring shows that drinking water levels exceed the MCLs.
In response to this regulation, the VDH Office of Drinking Water is working closely with water utility providers to monitor the water that is provided to Virginia residents.
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US EPA National Primary Drinking Water Regulation for PFAS in Drinking Water
On April 10, 2024, EPA announced a National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR) establishing legally enforceable Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for six PFAS in drinking water. This includes PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, PFNA, and HFPO-DA as contaminants with individual MCLs, and PFAS mixtures containing at least two or more of PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA, and PFBS using a Hazard Index MCL to account for the combined and co-occurring levels of these PFAS in drinking water. EPA also finalized health-based, non-enforceable Maximum Contaminant Level Goals (MCLGs) for these PFAS.
| Compound | Final MCLG | Final MCL (enforceable levels) |
| PFOA | Zero | 4.0 parts per trillion (ppt) (also expressed as ng/L) |
| PFOS | Zero | 4.0 ppt |
| PFHxS | 10 ppt | 10 ppt |
| PFNA | 10 ppt | 10 ppt |
| HFPO-DA (commonly known as GenX Chemicals) | 10 ppt | 10 ppt |
| Mixtures containing two or more of PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA, and PFBS | 1 (unitless)
Hazard Index |
1 (unitless)
Hazard Index |
The final rule requires:
- Public water systems must monitor for these PFAS and have three years to complete initial monitoring (by 2027), followed by ongoing compliance monitoring. Water systems must also provide the public with information on the levels of these PFAS in their drinking water beginning in 2027.
- Public water systems have five years (by 2029) to implement solutions that reduce these PFAS if monitoring shows that drinking water levels exceed these MCLs.
- Beginning in five years (2029), public water systems that have PFAS in drinking water which violates one or more of these MCLs must take action to reduce levels of these PFAS in their drinking water and must provide notification to the public of the violation.
Additional supporting materials, including a frequently asked questions document and several facts sheets, are available on EPA’s website: https://www.epa.gov/sdwa/and-polyfluoroalkyl-substances-pfas
What are PFAS?
PFAS are man-made, industrially produced compounds. Production of these chemicals began in the 1940s and there are now more than 14,000 different chemicals in the PFAS family. A wide variety of products, including stain-resistant fabric coatings, non-stick coatings (Teflon), food packaging, and firefighting foam, contain PFAS. PFAS are classified as contaminants of emerging concern, meaning that research into the harm they may cause to human health is still ongoing. The most commonly studied PFAS are perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA). PFOA, PFOS, and other PFAS are highly resistant to break down in the environment. Human exposure can occur by eating, drinking, or inhaling. EPA reports that scientists have found traces of one or more PFAS in the blood of a high percentage of people they tested, and that PFAS are found throughout the environment.
What is the PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation?
With this regulation, EPA is establishing legally enforceable levels for six PFAS known to occur individually and/or as mixtures in drinking water. EPA will regulate five PFAS chemicals as individual compounds. They are PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, PFHxS, and HFPO-DA. EPA will regulate four PFAS chemicals as a mixture: PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA, and PFBS.
PFAS can often be found together and in varying combinations as mixtures. Decades of research show mixtures of different chemicals can have additive health effects, even if the individual chemicals are each present at lower levels. With this rule, EPA has set limits for these chemicals individually and/or as mixtures.
What are the enforceable limits for PFAS compounds in drinking water established by this regulation?
The specific limits are:
For more information on MCLs visit EPA's National Primary Drinking Water Regulations webpage.
| PFAS Compound | MCL (1) |
| Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) | 4.0 ppt(2) |
| Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) | 4.0 ppt |
| Perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS) | 10 ppt |
| Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) | 10 ppt |
| Hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO–DA) | 10 ppt |
| A Hazard Index (HI) MCL to account for dose-additive health effects for mixtures that could include two or more of four PFAS (PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO–DA, and perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS)). | HI = 1 (3) |
| NOTES: | |
| (1) The MCL (Maximum Contaminant Level) is the highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. | |
| (2) ppt = parts per trillion | |
| (3) The Hazard Index (HI) is a number that is calculated based on the contaminants present and their concentrations. | |
What does this mean for public drinking water systems?
Public water systems (waterworks) must complete the initial monitoring requirements by April 26, 2027. They must inform the public of the level of PFAS measured in their drinking water by April 26, 2027. They must implement solutions to reduce PFAS in their drinking water to levels below the standards by April 26, 2029.
How many waterworks will be impacted by this Rule?
There are over 1,600 community plus nontransient noncommunity waterworks in Virginia that are subject to the PFAS drinking water rule. Most of these systems will primarily have to conduct monitoring to confirm that they do not have PFAS at levels exceeding the regulatory standards. EPA estimates that between about 6% and 10% of public drinking water systems nationwide may have to take action to reduce PFAS to meet these new standards.
Can I drink my water?
EPA estimates that between about 6% and 10% of the public drinking water systems subject to this rule may have to take action to reduce PFAS to meet these new standards. That’s why you should contact your local water utility to find out more about your drinking water, including what contaminants may be present. You should ask if they are monitoring for PFAS, what the levels are, and whether any response actions are needed and are being taken. The standards in this rule are set to reduce PFAS to the lowest levels that are feasible for effective implementation. If you are concerned about the level of PFAS in your drinking water, consider installing in-home water treatment (e.g., filters) that are certified to lower the levels of PFAS in your water. For more information on home filters go to: https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2024-04/water-filter-fact-sheet.pdf.
How can PFAS get into drinking water?
PFAS can enter drinking water at sites where they are made, used, disposed of, or spilled. PFAS can be found in the air near manufacturing facilities and can enter rainwater. PFAS are very mobile and can be transported through rainwater run-off and enter surface water (lakes, ponds, etc.) or seep through the soil and migrate into ground water (underground sources of drinking water). Because PFAS are very long-lasting and are not easily broken down by sunlight or other natural processes, they may remain in the environment for many years.
If a public water system or your private well gets its water from a surface or ground water source that is contaminated with PFAS, and the water is not properly treated to remove the PFAS, the chemicals may be in your drinking water and can pass into your body when you ingest (drink or eat food cooked in) them.
Where does my drinking water come from?
If you receive a water bill, your water comes from a public water supply. If you do not pay for your water, but you live in a rented apartment, manufactured home park or other similar community you may still receive water from a public water supply. Inquire with the property manager about your water source. If your water does not come from a public water supply, it comes from a private water system. Private water system sources include:
- Well
- Rainwater Cistern
- Spring
- Pond
- Hauled Water
How do I know if I have PFAS in my drinking water?
A person will not be able to see, smell, or taste PFAS in his or her drinking water. Analysis of a water sample at a laboratory certified to test for PFAS is the only way to know for sure whether drinking water has been contaminated with PFAS.
If you are concerned about PFAS in your drinking water, EPA recommends you contact your local water utility to learn more about your drinking water and to see whether they have monitoring data for PFAS or can provide any specific recommendations for your community.
If you own a home drinking water well, EPA recommends learning more about how to protect and maintain your well for all contaminants of concern. For information on home drinking water wells visit: http://www.epa.gov/safewater.
Additionally, if you are concerned about levels of PFAS found in your drinking water, consider actions that may reduce your exposure including installing a home or point of use filter or using an alternative water source, if possible, while steps are being taken to further understand levels of concern.
What are the health effects of exposure to PFAS?
It is important to keep in mind that exposure to PFAS does not always mean a person will have health effects. Whether or not a person experiences a health effect from exposure to PFAS depends on how long a person was exposed (duration), how often they were exposed (frequency), and how much PFAS they were exposed to (dose). Personal factors like age, lifestyle, and other illnesses may also determine if a person experiences a health effect from exposure to PFAS. There are many chemicals in the PFAS family, and they may cause different health effects. The health effects of PFOS, PFOA, PFHxS, and PFNA have been more widely studied than other chemicals in the PFAS family. Some, but not all, studies in humans with PFAS exposure have shown that certain PFAS may:
- Affect growth, learning, and behavior of infants and children;
- Lower a woman’s chance of getting pregnant;
- Interfere with the body’s natural hormones;
- Increase cholesterol levels;
- Affect the immune system; or
- Increase the risk of certain cancers.
How can I limit my potential exposure to PFAS?
Completely eliminating exposure to PFAS is not practical because they are so common throughout the world. PFAS are also present in many consumer products. Learning about the presence of PFAS in consumer products and avoiding or limiting exposure to these products can help reduce PFAS exposures.
Because many household products like carpeting and upholstery contain PFAS, ingestion of household dust can also be a route of exposure, especially for infants and young children through hand to mouth contact. Household surfaces should be dusted regularly to lower the amount of dust in the house.
PFAS exposure through drinking water can be reduced by treating the water using reverse osmosis or activated carbon filtration units, or by using an alternative source of water that is not contaminated. In general, dermal contact with water is not a health concern because PFAS are not readily absorbed through the skin. Using water that contains PFAS for showering, bathing, laundry, or household cleaning is not likely to significantly increase your risk.
Should I stop breastfeeding my infant?
EPA encourages women and people who are currently pregnant, nursing, or bottle feeding an infant with formula to consult with their physician regarding concerns related to breastfeeding and potential exposure to chemicals such as PFOA, PFOS, GenX chemicals (i.e., HFPO-DA and its ammonium salt), PFHxS, PFNA, and PFBS. For more information about PFAS and breastfeeding, visit the CDC's Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
Does bathing/showering with my tap water present a health risk?
Studies have shown that only a small amount of PFAS can get into your body through skin. Hence, neither bathing nor showering are likely to be primary routes of PFOA, PFOS, GenX chemicals (i.e., HFPO-DA and its ammonium salt), PFHxS, PFNA, or PFBS exposure.
Can I boil PFAS out of my water?
No. These chemicals cannot be removed by heating or boiling water.
Should I drink bottled water?
Deciding whether to buy and drink bottled water is a personal choice. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates food, including bottled water. The FDA has not established standards for any PFAS in bottled water at this time, but now that EPA has finalized these standards, the FDA is required under Section 410 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to evaluate what PFAS standards are appropriate for bottled water. FDA has analyzed for PFAS in bottled water (carbonated and non-carbonated) through a targeted survey (2016) and through the FDA’s Total Diet Study samples. Results from the studies did not detect PFAS in any sample. The FDA is currently conducting an additional targeted survey for PFAS in bottled water and results will be posted on the FDA’s website when complete. If you have questions about bottled water, please contact the FDA at: 1-888INFO-FDA (1-888-463-6332).
Individuals who are concerned about PFAS in their water may wish to consider in-home water treatment filters that are certified to lower PFAS levels in water. Learn more about these filters at: EPA Water Filter Fact Sheet
How much of my exposure to PFAS is through drinking water?
PFAS in drinking water can be a significant portion of a person’s total PFAS exposure in places where there is PFAS drinking water contamination. Exactly how much of a person’s exposure comes from drinking water depends on a range of variables, including the levels of PFAS present in their drinking water, as well as other environmental factors like proximity to industrial sites that may release PFAS into the air, water, or soil. The types of products people use in their daily lives that may contain PFAS include nonstick cookware, waterproof clothing, stain-resistant fabrics, and certain water- or sweat-resistant cosmetics. Some people may also have higher levels of exposure through their work, like firefighters who may use fire-fighting foam that contains PFAS. All of these factors make it difficult to determine exactly how much of a person’s exposure comes through any single source. People can be exposed to many different PFAS at the same time, which can magnify these health risks. Reducing your exposure to PFAS lowers your risk for these health problems.
Should I use a filter to reduce levels of PFAS in my water?
The more you reduce your exposure to PFAS, the more you reduce your risk. Many water pitcher filters and other home-based water filters are able to reduce the levels of PFAS in drinking water. If you decide to use a filter, look for ones that are certified to reduce PFAS. Be aware that current filters on the market will not yet be certified to reduce PFAS to the new EPA standards, but the added filtration they provide can help reduce your exposure. More information on in-home water filters is available at EPA Water Filter Fact Sheet
Besides drinking water, how else can people be exposed to [PFOA/PFOS/GenX chemicals/PFBS]?
PFOA and PFOS were widely used to make carpets, clothing, fabrics for furniture, paper packaging for food, and other materials that are resistant to water, grease or stains. They were also used for firefighting at airfields and in a number of industrial processes. Many of these uses were phased out by U.S. manufacturers in the mid-2000s but some uses remain. GenX chemicals are replacements for PFOA, and PFBS is a replacement for PFOS.
In addition to drinking water, people may be exposed to these chemicals through breathing air contaminated with PFAS chemicals or to a lesser degree, through dermal contact with products containing PFAS chemicals such as clothing or furniture. Pathways for PFAS exposure is an area of research that is still developing.
What if I am concerned about PFAS and I use my own well?
The quality and safety of drinking water from wells that service fewer than 25 persons, such as most household wells, are not regulated by the federal government under the Safe Drinking Water Act nor by many state governments and laws. To ensure that safe drinking water is provided to their households, EPA recommends that you test your household well annually for total coliform bacteria, nitrates, total dissolved solids, and pH levels. If you choose to test your water yourself, it is important to use a state-certified laboratory using EPA-developed testing methods.
You can also: Contact your state environmental or health agency for detailed advice or to obtain a list of state-certified laboratories using EPA-developed testing methods in drinking water. The National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Management System website may also be helpful in finding a laboratory to test for PFAS.
- If you remain concerned about the level of PFAS in your drinking water:
- Contact your state environmental protection agency or health department and your local water utility to find out what actions they recommend.
- If possible, consider using an alternate water source for drinking, preparing food, cooking, brushing teeth, preparing baby formula, and any other activity when your family might swallow water.
- Consider installing in-home water treatment (e.g., filters) that is certified to lower the levels of PFAS in your water. Go to EPA Home Water Filters Factsheet for more information.
What is EPA doing to help household well owners?
Private well owners are responsible for assuring safe drinking water for their households. The quality and safety of drinking water from private domestic wells are not regulated by the federal government under the Safe Drinking Water Act nor by most state governments and laws.
With this announcement of the PFAS regulation, EPA is also announcing nearly $1 billion in available funding for states and territories, through the Emerging Contaminants in Small or Disadvantaged Communities (EC-SDC) Grant Program, which can be used for initial testing and treatment at both public water systems and to help owners of household wells address PFAS contamination. Learn more using link 3 below.
EPA is updating the EC-SDC and the Small, Underserved, and Disadvantaged Communities (SUDC) grant programs so that states can further assist household well owners to address drinking water contaminants.
In addition, EPA is providing training and technical assistance (TA) to owners and managers of private drinking water wells and to the technical assistance providers that serve private well owners and/or are charged with protecting public health. Under this grant, the TA provider can provide test kits to test for emerging contaminants, such as PFAS, and provide follow-up technical assistance to household well owners who receive results indicating contamination. For more on these grants visit:
What funding is available to address PFAS in drinking water?
To help communities on the frontlines of PFAS contamination, EPA is providing $5 billion in grant funding over the course of fiscal years 2022-2026 through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Emerging Contaminants in Small or Disadvantaged Communities Grant Program. This funding can be used to reduce PFAS and other emerging contaminants in drinking water in underserved communities. Eligible uses include efforts that benefit small or disadvantaged communities in testing and remediating emerging contaminants, including water filtration.
What additional resources are available to address PFAS in water?
The Emerging Contaminants in Small or Disadvantaged Communities Grant Program complements nearly $1 billion in FY22 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) State Revolving Fund (SRF) funding dedicated specifically to addressing emerging contaminants like PFAS, the first of $5 billion between now and 2026. Communities can also use funding through the general and BIL supplemental SRF, totaling over $23 billion over the next 5 years to address emerging contaminants in water.
The VDH PFAS webpage and the VDH Drinking Water State Revolving Fund webpage contain more information on the available resources including funding.
Some states currently has a different safety level for PFOA/PFOS or GenX chemicals/PFBS than EPA’s health advisories. Why is this?
EPA’s health advisories reflect our analysis of the best available, peer-reviewed science and provide non-regulatory and non-enforceable information to assist federal, state, Tribal and local officials, and managers of public or community drinking water systems in protecting public health when spills or contamination situations occur. States may issue different values based on their own analyses. For more information about the science and process EPA used to determine its health advisory values, see EPA’s Drinking Water Health Advisory Documents here.
Besides drinking water, how else can people be exposed to [PFOA/PFOS/GenX chemicals/PFBS]?
PFOA and PFOS were widely used to make carpets, clothing, fabrics for furniture, paper packaging for food and other materials that are resistant to water, grease or stains. They were also used for firefighting at airfields and in a number of industrial processes. Many of these uses were phased out by U.S. manufacturers in the mid-2000s but some uses remain. GenX chemicals are replacements for PFOA, and PFBS is a replacement for PFOS.
Most people have been exposed to these chemicals through consumer products but drinking water can be an additional source of exposure in communities where these chemicals have contaminated water supplies.
What funding is available to address PFAS in drinking water?
To help communities on the frontlines of PFAS contamination, EPA is providing $1 billion in fiscal year 2022 grant funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Emerging Contaminants in Small or Disadvantaged Communities Grant Program. This is the first of $5 billion in grant funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that can be used to reduce PFAS in drinking water in underserved communities.
EPA has determined emerging contaminants to include any non-federally regulated contaminant listed on any of EPA’s Contaminant Candidate Lists (i.e., CCL1 – draft CCL5), in addition to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), regardless of regulatory status at the state or federal level. Eligible uses include efforts that benefit small or disadvantaged communities in testing and remediating emerging contaminants, including water filtration.
What additional resources are available to address PFAS in water?
The Emerging Contaminants in Small or Disadvantaged Communities Grant Program complements nearly $1 billion in FY22 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) State Revolving Fund (SRF) funding dedicated specifically to addressing emerging contaminants like PFAS, the first of $5 billion between now and 2026. Communities can also use funding through the general and BIL supplemental SRF, totaling over $23 billion over the next 5 years to address emerging contaminants in water.
The VDH Office of Drinking Water PFAS webpage and DWSRF page contain more information on the available resources including funding.
The Workgroup is in the process of designing a PFAS Sampling & Monitoring study in Virginia drinking water. Per HB586, no more than 50 waterworks and/or water sources will be covered under this sampling event. Selection of such waterworks and water sources will be based on two major criteria i.e. protecting public health, and maximum risk reduction.
Sample Training Webinar slides from April 14, 2021: Sampling for PFAS & What to Expect after Sampling
Below is the VA PFAS Sampling Training Video.
PFAS Resources by Type
FEDERAL RESOURCES
- US. EPA Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances webpage
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and Your Health webpage
- Department of Development Environment, Safety and Occupational Health Network and Information Exchange Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) webpage
- US. Food and Drug Administration information on PFAS in food and food packaging
ORGANIZATIONAL RESOURCES
- Association of State Drinking Water Administrators Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) State Drinking Water Program Challenges webpage
- Interstate Technology Regulatory Council (ITRC) PFAS — Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances webpage
- Association of State Drinking Water Administrators
- National Groundwater Association Groundwater and PFAS webpage
- National Academy of Sciences
Emerging Contaminants in Small or Disadvantaged Communities Grant Program:
FCAP Program:
https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/drinking-water/fcap/drinking-water-funding-program/
PFAS may enter a person’s body when they drink water or eat food that has been contaminated with PFAS. Unborn babies may be exposed to PFAS if their mother ingests PFAS while she is pregnant, and babies may be exposed through breastmilk. Inhalation of PFAS contaminated water can be a source of industrial exposures for employees (see the Business and Employee Exposure section below). PFAS are also present in many consumer products. Studies in humans and animals show that there may be negative health effects from exposure to certain PFAS. Completely stopping exposure to PFAS is not practical, because they are so common and present throughout the world.
HEALTH EFFECTS OF EXPOSURE TO PFAS
It is important to keep in mind that exposure to PFAS does not always mean a person will have health effects. Whether or not a person gets sick from exposure to PFAS depends on how long a person was exposed (duration), how often they were exposed (frequency), and how much PFAS they were exposed to (dose). Personal factors like age, lifestyle, and other illnesses may also determine whether or not a person gets sick from exposure to PFAS.
There are many chemicals in the PFAS family, and they may cause different health effects if you are exposed to them. The health effects of PFOS, PFOA, PFHxS, and PFNA have been more widely studied than other per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
Some, but not all, studies in humans with PFAS exposure have shown that certain PFAS may:
- Affect growth, learning, and behavior of infants and children;
- Lower a woman’s chance of getting pregnant;
- Interfere with the body’s natural hormones;
- Increase cholesterol levels;
- Affect the immune system; or
- Increase the risk of certain cancers.
WAYS TO REDUCE EXPOSURE TO PFAS
Because PFAS are so widespread in the environment, it is difficult to avoid all exposure to PFAS chemicals. You may be able to reduce your exposure by avoiding water that is known to be contaminated with PFAS chemicals.
If PFAS are present in drinking water, filtering the water or using an alternative source can reduce exposure to PFAS.
PFAS are present in many consumer products. Be an informed consumer and research if manufacturers are using PFAS in packaging or the manufacture of products (i.e. clothing, carpet). If you want to reduce your family’s exposure, consider limiting the use of household products that were made using chemicals in the PFAS family.
Some of these products include:
- Nonstick cookware, like pots and pans
- Furniture and carpet that is stain-resistant
- Clothing treated with water, stain, or dirt repellant
- Non-stick food packaging, like French fry cartons, microwave popcorn bags, and pizza boxes
- Makeup and other personal care products that have ingredients with “fluoro” or “perfluoro” in the name
PREGNANT AND NURSING WOMEN
Pregnant and nursing women may be more susceptible than the general population to the health effects of PFAS. As a precautionary measure, pregnant and nursing women may want to consider treating their water source to remove the type of PFAS present or use an alternate water source for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth and preparing food. Women who are planning to become pregnant may wish to take steps to reduce their exposure to PFAS, due to the slow elimination of PFAS from the human body.
Unborn babies may be exposed to PFAS through their umbilical cordre blood if their mother ingests PFAS before and while she is pregnant, and babies may be exposed through breastmilk. Research suggests that fetuses and infants are more vulnerable to exposure to PFAS. Long-term exposure to PFOA, PFOS, and PFHxS leads to a buildup of these chemicals in women of child-bearing age that results in more exposure to the fetus and breastfed infants. Breastfeeding provides many health benefits to both a mother and infant. VDH recommends that women currently breastfeeding, and pregnant women who plan to breastfeed, continue to do so. For information about , see the VDH breastfeeding webpage
Bottle-fed infants are also of concern because they drink more water per body weight than adults. If you are concerned about exposure through bottle feeding, consider using an alternative water source or filtered drinking water for making formula. This can lower exposure to PFAS for your infant.
Please consult with your healthcare provider with any concerns.
CHILDREN
Children have different exposure circumstances that make them especially sensitive to environmental contaminants, like PFAS. Understanding these differences is key for evaluating potential for environmental hazards from pollutants. Children consume more of certain foods and water relative to body weight than adults. That means the same glass of water with the same PFAS concentration level results in greater exposure to a child versus an adult, even though they are drinking the same amount. Children also do not excrete chemicals as easily as adults, because the enzymes in their bodies that break down contaminants are still developing. That increases the chances for contaminants such as PFAS to interfere with a child’s growth and development. In addition, young children tend to play close to the ground and come into contact with contaminated soil outdoors. To ensure the protection of children and other sensitive populations, the Ohio PFAS Action Levels are set to protect the most sensitive populations, thereby protecting the health of all populations in Ohio.
HOUSEHOLD PETS
Since many household pets are smaller than people, they also consume more of certain foods and water relative to their body weight than people. That means that the same bowl of water with the same PFAS concentration results in greater exposure to household pets, even though they may be drinking the same amount. As a precaution, if you have elevated levels of PFAS in your water, you should consider using alternative water for your household pets.
TESTING YOUR BLOOD FOR PFAS
While a PFAS blood test measures how much of specific PFAS are in a person’s body at the time of the test, there are limitations. A PFAS blood test cannot:
- Tell you where or how you were exposed to PFAS found in your body;
- Tell you what, if any, health problems might occur or have occurred because of PFAS in your body; or
- Be used by your doctor to guide treatment decisions.
- Most people in the U.S. have measurable amounts of PFAS in their body because PFAS are commonly used in commercial and industrial products.
- The PFAS blood test is not a clinical test and cannot tell you whether your health has been or will be affected.
- Many health issues associated with PFAS, such as increased cholesterol and decreased thyroid hormone levels, commonly occur in the population as a whole – even when not associated with high levels of PFAS in the blood.
- These health issues can be caused by many factors, and there is no way to know or predict if PFAS exposure has or will cause your health problem.
- If you have specific health concerns, please consult your doctor for the best treatment choices for you.
- It is complicated to get a PFAS blood test.
- It is not a routine clinical test, so you would need to contact a private lab directly to arrange the test and it is unlikely that insurance would cover the cost.
- There are hundreds of PFAS around us. Labs can only test for a small number of PFAS in blood.
- Vista Analytical Laboratory; 916-673-1520,vista-analytical.com
- Quest Diagnostics; 1-866-697-8378;questdiagnostics.com
- SGS AXYS; 1-888-373-0881;sgsaxys.com
HOME TREATMENT OPTIONS
Water treatment in a home to reduce levels of PFAS can be:
- At the point of entry (POE) where treatment all of the water entering the household plumbing system occurs, or;
- At the point of use (POU) which is often at the kitchen sink or primary source of water for drinking or cooking (potentially also including a water line to the refrigerator if it has a plumbed in water line).
Robert Edelman, PE
Director, Division of Technical Services
Phone: (804) 864-7490
Email: Robert.Edelman@vdh.virginia.gov
Bailey Davis
Dwayne Roadcap
Office Director, VDH Office of Drinking Water
Phone: (804) 864-7522
As follow-up to the PFAS monitoring and occurrence study undertaken in 2021, VDH, through the Office of Drinking Water (ODW) completed a Phase 2 PFAS Sampling Program with samples collected in July 2022, through December 2023. The purpose of this sampling program was to collect additional data on the occurrence of PFAS in Virginia public drinking water supplies, to assess impact on Virginia waterworks and to help Virginia waterworks prepare to address PFAS.
Phase 2 sampling used a hybrid sampling approach, sampling at entry points at:
· Surface water sources at community waterworks;
· GUDI sources at community waterworks;
· Groundwater sources at potential risk from PFAS contamination;
· Groundwater sources at selected small (serving less than 500 persons) community waterworks; and
· Subject to budget and resource limitations.
During 2023, VDH-ODW staff conducted sampling for PFAS at the entry point to the distribution systems. VDH-ODW staff reached out to the selected waterworks to schedule the sampling. VDH contracted with an external laboratory to perform all analyses for the study. The laboratory returned results to VDH following analysis. Following quality assurance/quality control review of the laboratory reports, VDH-ODW shared the reports with waterworks. Waterworks had no expenses for this sampling.
VDH-ODW has compiled and reviewed the sampling results and perform appropriate quality assurance/quality control procedures. The sample results from 2021 through 2023 are summarized on the PFAS web page in the ODW PFAS Dashboard. The Dashboard consists of a web map with clickable icons representing the sample locations. VDH provided technical assistance as requested throughout this process to the waterworks.
The following table provides a summary of the PFAS monitoring and occurrence study phases completed. The table contains counts of waterworks (water systems or systems) with sample results above screening criteria. Overall, a total of over 350 samples were collected from over 274 waterworks. The study identified 16 waterworks serving a retail population of 2.5 million persons, with analytes exceeding the screening criteria.
| Analyte | Screening Criteria (ng/L) | Phase 1
2021 |
Phase 2.1
2022 |
Phase 2.2
2023 |
Total |
| PFOA | (above 4.0) | 4 systems | None | 5 systems | 9 systems |
| PFOS | (above 4.0) | 5 systems | 3 systems | 9 systems | 15 systems |
| GenX | (above 10) | 1 system | 1 system | None | 1 system |
| PFBS | (above 2000) | None | None | None | None |
| PFNA | (above 10) | None | None | None | None |
| PFHxS | (above 9) | None | None | 1 system | 1 system |
| Waterworks Sampled | 45 | 48 | 221 | 274 |
| Population Served | 5,226,000 | 557,000 | 3,934,000 | 5,849,000 |
If you have questions about the Phase 2 PFAS sampling program, please contact:
| Robert Edelman, PE
Director of Technical Services, 804-864-7490 |
Dwayne Roadcap
Office Director, VDH Office of Drinking Water 804-338-0371 Dwayne.Roadcap@vdh.virginia.gov |