Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)
PFAS are a large group of human made chemicals that have been widely used in numerous industrial and residential applications since the 1950s. Their stability and unique chemical properties produce waterproof, stain resistant, and nonstick qualities in products. PFAS are found in some firefighting foams and a wide range of consumer products such as carpet treatments, non-stick cookware, water-resistant fabrics, food packaging materials, and personal care products.
Drinking Water Regulations
On April 10, 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) adopted a National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR) establishing Maximum Contaminant Levels for six PFAS and a cumulative risk level for the sum of four PFAS.
EPA established legally enforceable levels, called Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs), for six PFAS in drinking water: PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, PFNA, and HFPO-DA (GenX) as contaminants with individual MCLs, and PFAS mixtures containing at least two or more of PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA, and PFBS using a Hazard Index MCL to account for the combined and co-occurring levels of these PFAS in drinking water. EPA also finalized health-based, non-enforceable Maximum Contaminant Level Goals (MCLGs) for these PFAS.
| Compound | Final MCLG | Final MCL (enforceable levels) |
| PFOA | Zero | 4.0 ppt |
| PFOS | Zero | 10 ppt |
| PFHxS | 10 ppt | 10 ppt |
| PFNA | 10 ppt | 10 ppt |
| HFPO-DA (commonly known as GenX Chemicals) | 10 ppt | 10 ppt |
| Mixtures containing two or more of PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA, and PFBS | 1 (unitless) Hazard Index | 1 (unitless) Hazard Index |
The PFAS DW Rule requirements:
- Monitoring - Public water systems are required to complete initial monitoring for PFAS by 2027, followed by ongoing continuous monitoring.
- Exceedances - Public water systems that have PFAS levels that exceed the MCL must implement solutions to reducing PFAS levels by 2029.
- Public Notification - Systems with PFAS MCL exceedances must provide public notice of the violation. Beginning in 2027, systems will be required to include PFAS monitoring results in their Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs).
For more detailed information on the upcoming PFAS regulation, visit EPA's PFAS Regulation webpage.
In Alaska, spills or releases of PFAS into the environment are primarily associated with the use of aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF) during firefighting or fire training activities by military, local fire departments, and airports. PFAS compounds of concern where AFFF has been used include perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS). Although these two compounds are the most studied, a growing body of research indicates additional PFAS compounds may have similar health or environmental effects and may be co-contaminants.
Because PFAS are persistent in the environment and soluble in water, large plumes of groundwater contamination can form where these compounds have been released. When releases occur in areas served by private or public drinking water wells, the well water is susceptible to contamination.
When PFAS contamination is found in the environment, the responsible party must evaluate the extent of the contamination in the soil and groundwater, determine whether and to what extent drinking water supplies are impacted, provide treatment or alternative water if action levels are exceeded, and begin cleanup with DEC’s oversight.
Locations of PFAS contamination in Alaska can be explored on the Alaska DEC PFAS Contaminated Sites Map and for more information on PFAS in Alaska, check out DEC's PFAS webpage.
A large percentage of people in the US have measurable amounts of PFAS in their blood. If you are concerned about PFAS exposure, talk to your doctor about the risks, benefits, and limitations of blood testing. Potential health concerns from PFAS exposure include:
- Increased cholesterol levels
- Lower effectiveness of some vaccines
- Increase risk of some cancers (kidney, testicular)
- Liver enzyme changes
- Pregnancy induced hypertension and preeclampsia
- Decreases in birth weight
Learn more about the potential health concerns of PFAS exposure from the State of Alaska Department of Health or the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.
Drinking water from contaminated sources
Eating fish caught from contaminated water
Swallowing or breathing in contaminated soil
Eating food produced near places where PFAS are used or made
Eating food packages in materials containing PFAS
Accidentally swallowing residue or dust from consumer products containing PFAS
If you get water from a public water system, ask if they have tested for PFAS. Some systems have voluntarily tested for PFAS and can provide you with their results upon request.
If you have a private well, you can test your water for PFAS. This test can cost you about $300-$600 and is available from a number of certified laboratories, which can be found on the list of Laboratories Certified to Perform Chemical Analyses of Drinking Water.
Some public water system may have treatment systems that adequately remove PFAS from drinking water. Contact your public water system for more information about PFAS treatment techniques it may be using.
There are also home treatment techniques that are effective in reducing your PFAS exposure from drinking water. A Point of Use (POE) or Point of Entry (POE) filter, such as Reverse Osmosis, Ion Exchange, or Granular Activated Carbon filters, are effective in reducing PFAS in drinking water.
DEC
EPA
- PFAS Explained
- PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation web page
- FAQs - PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation
- Reducing PFAS in Drinking Water with a Home Filter
Other
Any questions, please contact:
- Cindy Christian
- 907-451-2138
- cindy.christian@alaska.gov
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