Understanding PFAS

PFAS & Your Water: Understanding PFAS

The Basics

PFAS, short for per-and poly- fluroalkyl substances, are a group of compounds used in a variety of industrial processes and in everyday products to increase resistance to water, grease, and stains. PFAS can be found in carpet, clothing, furniture fabric, packaging for food, cookware, some firefighting foams, and other materials.

Starting with manufacturing and the use of consumer products, PFAS can travel into the soil, water, and air. The concern with PFAS is they do not breakdown naturally in the environment and are difficult to remove.

Exposure to PFAS can occur by consuming PFAS-contaminated food and water, as well as breathing PFAS-contaminated dust or soil. PFAS are not readily absorbed through the skin.

Scientific studies have shown that exposure to some PFAS in the environment may be linked to harmful health effects in humans and animals. More info on PFAS health effects is linked below.

Federal Regulations

The Environmental Protection Agency is engaged in a multi-prong approach to evaluate and regulate PFAS in the environment in an effort to minimize human health risks. As science and policy evolve, OWASA anticipates that PFAS will be a consideration in both our water and wastewater operations.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced on April 10, 2024 their final PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation for six PFAS compounds. These standards are called maximum contaminant levels (MCLs). Drinking water providers nationwide, including OWASA, are required to meet the following MCLs by 2029:

4 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOA
4 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOS
10 parts per trillion (ppt) each for PFHxS, PFNA, and HFPO-DA (GenX)
Four additional PFAS—PFHxS, PFNA, PFBS, and HFPO-DA—regulated based on a “hazard index” calculated as the combined amounts of these PFAS in drinking water samples.

These new regulations establish a good starting point for OWASA’s efforts because they are based on the best available science on PFAS impacts on public health and available technology to remove them from drinking water. You can read more about the new regulations at the links below.

Contributing to PFAS Research

OWASA continues to support and participate in research into the best ways to reduce PFAS compounds in our water, wastewater, and biosolids. We are active members of the N.C. Urban Water Consortium, which is funding research across the state for advancements in PFAS monitoring and treatment, as well as the Water Research Foundation. Recently, OWASA participated in a pilot project to test novel sorbents (new, advanced materials to absorb PFAS) funded by the N.C. Collaboratory and managed by N.C. Pure at UNC-Chapel Hill that was housed at our Jones Ferry Road Water Treatment Plant. The pilot project used our raw water to test the effectiveness of new materials at removing PFAS.