Are PFAS Forever Chemicals In Your Tampa Drinking Water?

PFAS “Forever Chemicals” are in Tampa water. The question is, how much, and is it too much? The current results of the EPA study show results that border the current proposed maximum contaminant levels for regulatory standards.

On April 10, 2024, the United States government introduced its first-ever national, legally enforceable drinking water standard to protect citizens from PFAS forever chemicals. The new rules to regulate six types of PFAS chemicals were developed based on feedback from the public and stakeholders, with over 120,000 comments considered. The EPA believes that these rules will protect about 100 million people from PFAS exposure over time, prevent thousands of deaths, and reduce tens of thousands of serious illnesses related to PFAS.

The EPA has also announced that it will be offering substantial funding, including $1 billion from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, to help test and treat PFAS in not only public water systems but address contamination in private wells as well.

The new regulations set limits known as ‘Maximum Contaminant Levels or MCLs’ for individual PFAS like PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, PFNA, and HFPO-DA, as well as a combined limit for mixtures of PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA, and PFBS. While these regulations will help to protect from 6 PFAS, there are over 15,000 PFAS chemicals.

The new regulations state areas exceeding the new standards of PFAS contamination must take action to reduce PFAS in their drinking water within 5 years.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in conjunction with the state of Florida, has taken steps towards regulating PFAS in drinking water. In March 2023, the EPA proposed Maximum Contaminant Levels of 4 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOA and PFOS. Finalized contaminant Levels are expected by the end of 2023. You can view the EPA’s proposed action for PFAS here.

EPA’s ongoing efforts under the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR) involve collecting data for unregulated contaminants suspected in drinking water. This data aids in regulating such contaminants. The fifth UCMR phase (UCMR 5) requires sampling for 30 chemical contaminants, including PFAS, between 2023 and 2025.

Tampa Bay Water and its member utilities are actively participating in EPA’s UCMR 5 study, focusing on PFAS concentrations in treated drinking water. This collaboration aids EPA in setting PFAS regulations, with testing commencing in July 2023 for Tampa Bay Water and its members, and January 2023 for the City of Tampa.

The results of the testing are presented by the delivery point sampled, its member utility served and the six PFAS which the EPA has set a proposed Maximum Contaminant Level of 4 ppt. The first quarter’s results are as follows:

PFOA: 2.70 ppt

PFOS: 4.30 ppt

PFBS: 5.00 ppt

PFHHxS: 2.40 ppt

PFNA: 0.80 ppt

HFPA-DA: Non-detectable levels found

The most recent results of the UCMR study can be found here, measured in parts per trillion. You can use tools such as XConvert to take the number and see it as ppb. Notice that not all chemical types are listed here or in the study.

For reference, a part per trillion (ppt) is roughly equivalent to a single drop of water in 20 Olympic-sized swimming pools or one second in 32,000 years. These updated interim Health Advisory Levels are below the detection capabilities of current laboratory testing technology. They serve as interim guidance until formal regulations or Maximum Contaminant Levels are established.

There is no way for you to prevent PFAS Forever Chemicals contamination in the environment, but you can make sure the water you’re drinking is PFAS free. If there is good news regarding PFAS water contamination, it’s that they can be treated and removed from water with the right filtration. For example, several methods, like carbon filtration, ion exchange, and reverse osmosis water treatment effectively remove PFAS from water.

Removing PFAS Forever Chemicals from water is a complex process that requires advanced filtration techniques. Culligan offers several products that can help address PFAS contamination. Here are a few options:

Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems: Culligan’s RO systems are highly effective in removing PFAS from water. These systems use a semipermeable membrane to filter out contaminants, including PFAS. The RO process can remove up to 99% of PFAS, providing you with clean and safe drinking water.

Whole House Water Filtration Systems: Culligan’s whole house filtration systems can remove various contaminants, including PFAS, from all the water in your home. These systems provide comprehensive filtration, ensuring that every tap in your house delivers clean and safe water.

It’s important to note that the effectiveness of these filtration systems may vary depending on the specific type and concentration of PFAS in your water. To determine the best solution for your specific needs, I recommend reaching out to a Culligan Water Expert who can assess your situation and provide personalized recommendations. They will be able to guide you through the process and help you choose the most suitable product for your home.

Pitcher filters, like those commonly used for home water filtration, may vary in their ability to remove PFAS compounds, often referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment. Some pitcher filters are designed with activated carbon filters that can help reduce certain contaminants, including PFAS, from drinking water. However, the effectiveness of pitcher filters against PFAS can vary based on the specific brand and model.

If you are concerned about PFAS contamination and want to ensure the efficacy of a pitcher filter in removing these chemicals, it’s advisable to choose a filter that explicitly states it can remove PFAS, such as Culligan’s RO system or whole home water filtration system. Always refer to the manufacturer’s specifications and certifications to determine the filter’s effectiveness against PFAS and other contaminants.

When it comes to PFAS-contaminated water, the situation can be particularly relevant to residents of Tampa, Florida, especially those serviced by Culligan. Certain areas are more susceptible to elevated levels of PFAS due to historical usage of these chemicals in various industrial and commercial activities. Tampa, being a vibrant city with diverse zones of activity, might experience varying degrees of PFAS contamination in its water sources.

Living near specific sites, such as airports or firefighter training facilities, could put residents at a higher risk of encountering water with elevated PFAS concentrations. These sites historically utilized PFAS-containing foams for firefighting exercises and emergency response drills, which could have seeped into the ground and eventually reached the water supply. As such, individuals residing near these locations might be concerned about the levels of PFAS in their tap water.

Manufacturing centers in Tampa are another area of focus when it comes to PFAS contamination. With its economic diversity, the city may have a history of manufacturing activities related to carpet production, food packaging, and various consumer goods. PFAS were commonly used in these processes due to their unique chemical properties. Over time, these chemicals might have entered the local water sources, potentially leading to higher concentrations in certain areas. This situation is particularly important to Culligan of Tampa, as a water treatment and purification company, to address potential PFAS-related concerns in their service areas.

For residents of Tampa, understanding the actual levels of PFAS in their water is crucial. Culligan, with its expertise in water treatment and purification, is well-positioned to provide essential information and potential solutions.

PFAS, commonly known as ‘Forever Chemicals,’ water contamination impacts residents in many places across the United States, including the Tampa Bay area. The problem with PFAS and similar contaminants is that, until recently, few people knew or understood them. Compounding this issue, PFAS have become nearly ubiquitous in our environment.

It started in the early 1940s, when water and heat-resistant chemicals containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances were engineered to help create non-stick products (Teflon), fire retardants, and other common consumer goods. What wasn’t understood at the time, however, was that Teflon and other products using PFAS wouldn’t naturally decay in nature–or the human body.

Known as bioaccumulation, this chemical characteristic means any amount absorbed in our bodies – through eating or drinking – stays in our bodies. Since we have no way of removing or disposing of these chemicals, they’ve earned the ominous nickname, ‘forever chemicals.’ As a result, most PFAS have been phased out of use in this country. But they remain prevalent in the environment, and this includes our water supply.

PFOA, the most notable substance of the PFAS family, was found to be a part of the manufacturing process of Teflon. The EPA sued DuPont in 2005 for failing to report a health risk to both humans and the environment. The company paid a $10.25 million settlement.

Because of PFOA and PFAS strong molecular structure, they take much longer to break down naturally than other organic chemicals.

Until 2002, PFOA were integral in producing goods which qualities repel dirt, grease, water and stains.

These contaminants can be found in the manufacturing process of a variety of products, including non-stick cookware, carpet-care liquids, treated apparel, upholstery or textiles, sealants, dental floss, floor wax and non-woven medical garments. Though PFTE non-stick cookware was proven to have PFOA levels, a recent study found levels that ranged from undetectable to 4.3 parts per billion, and it is not currently considered a major pathway for PFOA.

Just last year, United Nations experts recommended banning PFOA globally at the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. Will the United States follow suit based on recent outbreaks in Texas and Michigan.

According to a study from 2002-2005, people who lived in the PFOA-contaminated area around DuPont’s Washington Works facility were found to have higher levels of PFOA in their blood from drinking water. People that drank more tap water, ate locally grown fruits and vegetables, or ate local meat, were all associated with having higher PFOA levels.

Residents who used carbon filter systems had lower PFOA levels.” Studies have found that using carbon-activated filters can reduce PFOA by up to 60%.

A government funded report published by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine found strong evidence that being exposed to PFAS could lead to health issues like weaker vaccine responses, kidney cancer, and underweight newborns. They suggested that areas with high PFAS exposure should do blood tests and health checkups for people with significant exposure. The report also noted a probable link, though with less certainty, between PFAS exposure and thyroid issues, pregnancy-related preeclampsia, and certain types of cancers.

A recent study focusing on Air Force service members was release in July of this year. This study went even further, directly connecting PFAS exposure to a specific type of testicular cancer that makes up around 95% of cases.

Testicular cancer is the most common cancer among young adult men. Among those in the military, especially men aged 18 to 40, are the most frequently diagnosed cancer. To prove this connection, researchers used samples from over 62 million service members’ blood collected between 1988 and 2017. They looked at samples from 530 troops who later got testicular cancer and 530 who did not. A second round of sampling four years later showed that higher levels of PFAS were linked to a higher risk of testicular cancer.

According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, PFAS, known for their oil and water resistance, non-stick, and fire-resistant qualities, are commonly added to various everyday products used by most Americans such as the following:

A class action lawsuit alleges Simply Tropical and Simply Orange beverages have been promoted as “All Natural” and made with “all-natural ingredients.” Nevertheless, the lawsuit contends that lab tests conducted on Simply Tropical contradict these claims, revealing the presence of PFAS, artificial chemicals that are not natural.

An analysis by Toxic-Free Future tested 60 items from various categories, discovering that 35 products, mostly leggings and yoga pants, had fluorine levels exceeding 100 parts per million, a strong PFAS indicator. Among the brands tested were Lululemon and Old Navy. Of these, three-quarters contained banned long-chain PFAS compounds. Notably, 28% of the tested products contained PFAS, with 34 out of 47 items with water-resistance claims showing PFAS presence. An additional investigation also found PFAS in popular sportswear brands, raising questions about long-term exposure risks associated with PFAS-coated clothing.

Forever Chemicals in Menstrual Products

The Thinx underwear brand was involved in a lawsuit alleging their products contained PFAS after the marketed their products as a safe, sustainable product, free of harmful chemicals. The period underwear company has settled a lawsuit regarding allegations of inadequate product effectiveness and misleading advertising.

According to Green Matters, Consumer Reports detailed the levels of PFAS found in many popular carbonated water brands contain. Topo Chico, owned by Coca-Cola Co., was an extreme outlier containing 9.76 parts per trillion. Most brands tested were only slightly above 1 part per trillion, with Poland Spring at 1.66, Canada Dry at 1.24, LaCroix at 1.16 and Perrier at 1.1. As for non-carbonated water, Deer Park tested at 1.21 parts per trillion.

The EPA holds the responsibility of overseeing the regulation of drinking water standards. While PFAS regulation in drinking water has not yet been established by the EPA, they have outlined suggested Maximum Contaminant Levels of 4 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOA and PFOS. The EPA is anticipated to unveil the final regulations for PFOA and PFOS by the conclusion of 2023.