FAQ’S

FAQ'S

What are ‘PFAS’?

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of man-made synthetic compounds that repel both water and oil, and are found in many commercial and consumer products. PFAS are also called ‘forever chemicals’ because of their unique chemical and physical properties which make many of them extremely persistent and mobile in the natural environment.

Where does PFAS come from? What is it used for?

PFAS were first created in 1947 by 3M and were subsequently used for widespread manufacturing of Teflon and other non-stick cookware. PFAS were also used in emergency response training in the form of AFFF (aqueous film fighting foam), which could successfully extinguish fires of flammable liquid, such as gasoline. Due to their stain, oil, and water resistance, they continued to be used in numerous industries and consumer products — everything from textiles and beauty products to pesticides and food packaging.¹

How does PFAS exposure occur? Why is PFAS contamination a problem?

The family of PFAS compounds does not break down naturally in the environment and has been shown to accumulate in living things. High levels of PFAS exposure have been linked to numerous cancers and health concerns. More information can be found in the “Health Effects” section of this page.

Humans can be exposed to PFAS chemicals through various sources, including industrial discharge, AFFF application sites, land applications of biosolids, consumer goods usage, ambient/ indoor air, and indoor dust. These sources can then spread into the surrounding environment where exposure can occur through ingestion of food or drinking water from a contaminated source, or inhalation from ambient air or accumulated dust. Contaminated drinking water is a primary source of exposure to PFAS in comparison to other exposure sources. Pregnant women and young children are at the highest risk of exposure.²

If I own a well, should I be concerned about PFAS contamination?

Ongoing research shows that PFAS contamination in groundwater is prevalent and of emerging concern. PFAS data collected from 2022 through 2024 by Raritan Headwaters shows a 54% federal limit exceedance rate in the Upper Raritan Watershed. More information can be found in the “Data” section of this page.

Is PFAS in bottled water?

Companies that sell bottled water in NJ are required to analyze for PFNA, PFOA, and PFAS annually. Currently, they are only required to meet the NJ standards for PFAS.³

In February 2024, the FDA prohibited the sale of food packaging containing PFAS⁴. This rule applies to all food packaging sold in the United States and aims to eliminate dietary exposure to PFAS.

HEALTH EFFECTS

Health Effects

Research has shown PFAS exposure can increase the risk of some cancers, have reproductive effects, lead to developmental effects or delays in children, reduce the ability of the body’s immune system to fight infections including reduced vaccine response, increase cholesterol levels and/or risk of obesity, disrupt the endocrine system, and more. Additional information: https://www.epa.gov/pfas/our-current-understanding-human-health-and-environmental-risks-pfas

PFAS are a growing concern due to their persistence in the environment and widespread use – creating numerous opportunities for human exposure. Studies have shown that PFAS is present in the blood of 97% of Americans. More information available: https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/pfc

Because there are many types of PFAS chemicals, which often occur in complex mixtures and in various everyday products, researchers face challenges in studying them. More research is needed to fully understand all sources of exposure, and if/how they may cause health problems. Additional information: https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/pfc

Pregnant women and young children have the highest risk for health effects from PFAS exposure. Source: https://dep.nj.gov/pfas/your-health/

NEWS

News

What is the new federal PFAS in drinking water rule?

In April 2024, the EPA established new federal standards for PFAS in drinking water, lowering the legally enforceable limits for these chemicals in public drinking water systems. This rule also expanded the testing of PFAS to include six individual compounds in addition to the Hazard Index which evaluates chemical mixtures.

Public water systems will have three years to test their supplies and see if they comply with the new federal limits. If they exceed the standard, they’ll be given an additional two years to meet the standards by implementing new filtration or treatment methods.

Additionally, two specific PFAS chemicals, PFOA and PFOS, have been classified as hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) also known as the Superfund law. This critical designation shifts the financial burden of cleanup from taxpayers to the polluting companies that manufactured or used these “forever chemicals”. Manufacturers and users of PFAS will now be required to monitor and clean up any environmental contamination they cause.⁵

Read more about RHA’s response to this new rule at the link below:

RHA Quickly Expands Its Testing in Reaction to New EPA Rules

For the Most Up-to-Date Information on PFAS, visit:

NJ DEP https://dep.nj.gov/pfas/

EPA https://www.epa.gov/pfas

NIH https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/pfc/index.cfm

DATA

Data

Raritan Headwaters Association

RHA has tested 404 wells for PFAS contamination from 2022 through 2024. Of those 404 wells, there was a 74% detection rate and a 54% federal limit exceedance rate.

Visit RHA’s “What’s In Your Water?” Interactive Maps to learn more about well water quality in the Raritan Headwaters. These maps aim to be updated in the coming months with this PFAS data from the 404 wells tested.

NJ Department of Environmental Protection

The Private Well Testing Act (PWTA) exists as the only form of water quality oversight on private wells in New Jersey since private well owners are those responsible for the safety of their drinking water. Well water must be tested according to PWTA parameters during a home sale as well as every 5 years on a rental property. Results from PWTA testing must be reported to the state, and therefore allow the NJDEP to assess groundwater quality data.

Visit the NJDEP’s Private Well Testing Act Data Summary and Interactive Map to view where PFAS are found in private drinking water supplies throughout New Jersey.

TESTING & REMEDIATION

Testing & Remediation

While commercial water companies are required by law to test customers’ water, owners of private wells are on their own. Regular monitoring is critical to ensuring a safe water supply and if PFAS are detected in your well water, it’s essential to note that treatment options are available.

RHA is pleased to offer the most up-to-date testing, which includes the additional parameters outlined in the new federal PFAS regulations. In addition to a variety of other contaminants, PFAS testing kits are available for purchase at both RHA offices in Flemington and Bedminster, as well as at Community Well Testing events.

To arrange for a test kit through RHA, visit: https://www.raritanheadwaters.org/get-involved-2/groundwater-well-testing/

Treatment Options for Removing PFAS from Drinking Water

Reducing PFAS in Your Drinking Water with a Home Filter

Potable Water Loan Program

Treatment Firms – Hunterdon County