A sweeping new analysis by Waterkeeper Alliance has revealed alarming levels of toxic PFAS contamination in U.S. waterways, with 98% of tested sites across 19 states found to contain the so-called "forever chemicals." The report, conducted in collaboration with local Waterkeeper groups and the Hispanic Access Foundation, builds on previous findings from 2022 and points to widespread pollution from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and biosolids applications.
Using innovative PFASsive™ passive samplers developed by SiREM, researchers collected data upstream and downstream of 22 WWTPs and 10 biosolids land application sites over 20-day periods, yielding more robust data than traditional spot sampling. The findings are sobering: 95% of sites downstream from WWTPs and 80% downstream from biosolids fields showed elevated PFAS levels compared to upstream locations.
“There is no denying that PFAS contamination is a national crisis. Our latest sampling confirms that it’s widespread and persistent, threatening waterways and public health across the country,” said Marc Yaggi, CEO of Waterkeeper Alliance. “Local Waterkeepers and partners bring deep local knowledge and dedication to this ongoing effort, helping to fill critical data gaps, driving policy and solutions.”
The report highlights that PFAS—synthetic chemicals linked to cancer, hormonal disruptions, and immune system effects—continue to accumulate in the environment. “PFAS can contaminate our water, soil, air, and evidence suggests that it is linked to several diseases and health risks,” said Vanessa Muñoz, Waterways Program Manager at the Hispanic Access Foundation. “But what is often overlooked is who is being exposed to it and why, and unfortunately Latino and other communities of colour are disproportionately faced to bear the burden.”
Of particular concern are downstream spikes: at one WWTP site, total PFAS concentrations rose by nearly 3,000%, reaching 228.29 ppt, while a biosolids site saw a more than 5,100% increase to 106.51 ppt. Many sites surpassed the Environmental Working Group’s 1 ppt human health threshold, and several exceeded recently proposed federal limits for PFOA and PFOS.
The report arrives just as the U.S. EPA considers weakening proposed PFAS drinking water regulations, despite estimates that 100 million Americans are affected. Waterkeeper Alliance is urging the agency to adopt class-based regulation, ban PFAS-laden biosolids, and enforce robust standards.
“The tools to address this crisis exist, but the political will is lacking,” said Yaggi. “The science is clear: EPA and lawmakers must act decisively, and with urgency, in the public’s interest.”
