PER- AND POLYFLUOROALKYL SUBSTANCES (PFAS)

PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals applied to many industrial, commercial and consumer products to make them waterproof, stain resistant, or nonstick. What Should I Know About PFAS(PDF, 102KB).

PFAS.Sml.jpg What are PFAS?

  • Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of human-made chemicals that have been used worldwide in industry and consumer products since the 1940s.
  • PFAS are often called “forever chemicals” because they are not easily broken down or removed.
  • PFAS are used to make consumer goods water-repellent, stain resistant, or nonstick because they are resistant to heat, water, and oil. PFAS are used in products like cosmetics, fast food packaging, and firefighting foam.
  • There are thousands of different PFAS. Two types of PFAS—PFOA and PFOS—are the most extensively produced and studied, and are the subject of US EPA’s proposed regulations.

How am I exposed to PFAS?

It is practically impossible to completely avoid PFAS because they are so commonly used and present in many consumer products. Consumers can limit their exposure to PFAS by researching and using non-PFAS-containing products.

  • PFAS can be found in soil, air, and water, as well as in materials found in our homes or workplaces. People are exposed to PFAS by eating food, inhaling dust, and drinking water that contains PFAS.
  • Due to their widespread use and their persistence in the environment, many PFAS chemicals are found in the blood of people and animals all over the world and are present at low levels in a variety of food products and in the environment ( https://www.epa.gov/pfas/pfas-explained).
  • PFAS are common in household products such as:
  • Nonstick cookware
    Stain resistant or water-repellent carpets, furniture and clothing
    Nonstick food packaging such as French fry cartons, popcorn bags, and pizza boxes
    Personal care products such as shampoos, dental floss, and makeup
    Paints, varnishes, and sealants

What are the new federal standards for PFAS in Drinking Water?

On April 10, 2024, U.S. EPA finalized the National Primary Drinking Water Standards for 6 PFAS compounds. Within this rule, they established maximum contaminant levels (MCL) for 5 PFAS compounds, PFOS, PFOA, PFHxS, PFNA, and Gen X, alongside a hazard index for certain combined PFAS compounds. Under the finalized rule, required monitoring for these 6 PFAS compounds will be conducted at the entry point to the distribution system beginning in 2027. If this monitoring indicates the public water system is exceeding the MCL, the public water system has until 2029 to implement treatment to come into compliance with the MCL. 

Additional information about the final PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation can be found at U.S. EPA’s website.

What actions is Columbus taking regarding PFAS?

  • Ensuring our drinking water meets or exceeds all current and proposed safe drinking water guidelines. View the current Consumer Confidence Report about Drinking Water Quality and Monitoring. 
  • Proactively testing for PFAS compounds in our source water and water plants since 2019 to be protective of public health, even though it is not yet required by Ohio EPA or U.S. EPA. Some PFAS chemicals have been detected at very low levels, near the detection limits of the test. Currently, our results indicate that we will meet the proposed federal drinking water standards.
  • Monitoring our results to determine if we have to install additional treatment at any of our plants in preparation of proposed federal regulations.
  • Protecting the health of our ratepayers—physically and financially—by encouraging clean-up and eliminating contamination at the source; City of Columbus Files Lawsuit 

You can help by contacting your legislators to encourage them to ban the use of these chemicals and by contacting product manufacturers to ask them to discontinue their use of PFAS.

PFAS Drinking Water Monitoring Results

In February 2024, CDPU began monitoring its finished (tap) water as part of the U.S. EPA’s Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR) 5. The EPA uses the UCMR to gather information for contaminants that are suspected to be present in drinking water and do not have health-based standards set under the Safe Drinking Water Act. 

Based on our monitoring, our three drinking water plants would currently be in compliance with the regulatory requirements for PFAS in drinking water. View our finished (tap) results(PDF, 86KB).

Learn More

Columbus Public Utilities Fact Sheet(PDF, 102KB)
Columbus Public Utilities PFAS FAQs(PDF, 97KB)
Columbus Public Utilities Comments to U.S. EPA Regarding proposed PFAS National Drinking Water Regulation
U.S. EPA:  Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)
U.S.EPA: PFAS Strategic Roadmap

 

 

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