Wednesday November 13, 2024
WaterWorld —
According to a U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) study published on October 24, 2024, approximately 71 to 95 million people in the lower 48 states may rely on groundwater that contains detectable concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) for their drinking water supplies.
USGS states that their scientists are the first to report national estimates of PFAS occurrence in untreated groundwater that supplies water to public and private wells. The research also provides the first estimate of the number of people across the county who are potentially affected by PFAS contaminated groundwater.
USGS also published an interactive map for users to see probability estimates of PFAS occurrence.
Predictive results are intended to be evaluated at state, regional and national scales rather than at individual household levels. Probability estimates are for the presence of PFAS in groundwater and do not account for any subsequent actions taken by states, municipalities or individuals to treat drinking water.