What are PFAS and why are they a problem?
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, is an umbrella term for a family of thousands of synthetic organic compounds. They are created in a lab; they are not found in nature/naturally occurring. They were used in non-stick cooking pans (Teflon), fire-fighting foams, and a variety of other items. Two PFAS that are most often found in finished drinking water (perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS)) are legacy compounds that are no longer manufactured, but are still being found in the environment. Research involving humans suggests that high levels of certain PFAS may lead to negative health impacts such as increased cholesterol, increased risk of certain types of cancer, and changes in liver enzymes. Pregnant women and children may be at elevated risk for health complications related to PFAS.
How do PFAS get into household water?
Household water can be a source of exposure in communities where PFAS have contaminated water supplies. Such contamination is typically localized and associated with contamination from a specific facility, for example:
- An industrial facility where PFAS were produced or used to manufacture other products
- An oil refinery, airfield or other location at which PFAS were used for firefighting
What is SPRWS doing about PFAS?
- Coordinating testing with Minnesota Department of Health, Environmental Protection Agency, and others
- Investigating new treatment methods that could be effective in removing PFAS
Saint Paul Regional Water Services tested for PFAS in 2005, 2007, 2013, and 2014. These tests showed SPRWS has consistently been under the laboratory test methods’ reporting limit. This means that prior to 2015, the concentration of the unregulated compounds was below the sensitivity of the testing instruments and cannot be confidently quantified and therefore is reported as non-detectable.
In late 2019, in conjunction with the Minnesota Department of Health and United States Geological Survey, we conducted additional tests for PFAS to provide more current results with improved sampling and testing procedures. Those results were all well below the health risk limit and health based limits established for drinking water by the Minnesota Department of Health. A person drinking water with a contaminant at or below the comparison value would be at little or no risk for harmful health effects.
As part of our testing of drinking water, we monitor for contaminants; both regulated and unregulated. Detection alone of a contaminant should not cause concern. The meaning of any detection should be determined considering current health effects information. We are often still learning about the health effects and improving testing techniques, so this information can change over time. Because these contaminants are unregulated, no particular actions are required based on detection.
What can you do about PFAS?
The best way to keep drinking water safe is to protect it at its source. SPRWS encourages customers to reach out to federal and state legislatures about using existing laws and establishing new laws to understand and control PFAS risks before harmful substances are introduced.
We think those companies producing PFAS–not consumers and water utilities–should be liable for cleaning up drinking water and environments that have been affected by PFAS. Removal of these chemicals from drinking water is costly and often requires installation of new treatment processes.
More Information about PFAS
According to the Minnesota Department of Health:
- We do NOT have evidence of harm to human health from exposure to PFAS at the current levels found in Minnesotans’ drinking water at this time. The new drinking water guidance represents an increased focus on safety and prevention.
- Municipal drinking water continues to be as safe as, or safer than, purchased drinking water. Purchasing drinking water has other negative consequences, including cost, increased trash burden, and heavy use of fossil fuels to transport water.
The Minnesota Department of Health has additional information about PFAS in drinking water:
PFAS Overview and Resources
PFAS Monitoring
PFAS and Health (PDF - 280 KB)
