Do you have forever chemicals in your water? Here is the most recent data.

Recent Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) testing indicates that the drinking water of roughly one in seven Americansaround 49.5 million peoplecontains levels of persistent forever chemicals considered unsafe. The latest update, published in November, shows that more than 100 additional public water systems have annual PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) levels exceeding the limits newly established by the EPA in 2024.

Analysis of the EPA records reveals that water systems in Anaheim and San Jose, California, as well as Brownsville, Texas, have joined 944 other systems nationwide that have recently failed to meet the updated standards.

Understanding PFAS Contamination

PFAS chemicals are highly durable due to their design to resist heat and liquids, making them extremely persistent in the environment. Scientists warn that these substances can build up in the human body, potentially raising the risk of certain cancers and other health issues when consumed through drinking water.

The Biden Administration initially set limits on six types of PFAS in public water supplies, though in May, the EPA rescinded all but two of these restrictions. The number of water systems exceeding the remaining limits is expected to increase as the agency concludes a three-year monitoring effort requiring all public utilities serving several thousand customers to test for these chemicals.

Recent Data Highlights

In Anaheim, California, samples taken from November 2024 to May 2025 showed one city well with PFOS levels averaging 17 parts per trillion (ppt) and PFOA levels averaging 8 ppt, exceeding the legal limits of 4 ppt for each chemical. Meanwhile, in Brownsville, Texas, samples from two treatment plants between July 2024 and April 2025 slightly surpassed the PFOS limit. In San Jose, California, a well monitored from January to July 2025 recorded PFOS levels double the limit.

Water systems with persistent exceedances must either find alternative water sources or install filtration systems in the coming years. While the original compliance deadline was set for 2029, the EPA has indicated that it may extend this timeline.

Local Responses and Solutions

Although Anaheims PFAS data has only recently been added to the EPAs public records, the city has been aware of contamination since at least 2019. City officials attribute the pollution to traces from consumer products, industrial activities, and military bases in Southern California. To address the issue, Anaheim is investing $200 million to equip several groundwater wells with ion exchange filtration, a technology that removes contaminants from water. Construction is expected to conclude by 2027.

In Brownsville, Texas, the local public utilities board continues to gather data and explore treatment options, operational changes, and potential infrastructure upgrades. Officials note that they may seek state or federal grants, though any impact on water rates is still uncertain.

Legal and Financial Challenges

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 allocated approximately $1 billion annually in EPA grants to assist small or disadvantaged communities in addressing emerging contaminants like PFAS. Nonetheless, compliance costs remain high, as seen in Anaheim, and some utilities have raised water rates to meet the standards. Industry groups contend that manufacturers, not utilities, are responsible for the pollution and have challenged the EPAs new PFAS limits in court.

The lawsuit, temporarily paused during a government shutdown, has resumed, with the EPA, utilities, and environmental advocates expected to submit further filings. Environmental groups argue that reversing the four PFAS limits could endanger public health and undermine investments already made by water systems.

Analysis: Rising PFAS Risks in U.S. Drinking Water

Recent EPA data confirms that roughly one in seven Americans—approximately 49.5 million people—are exposed to drinking water containing unsafe levels of PFAS, the so-called "forever chemicals." The November update shows over 100 additional water systems exceeding the EPA's 2024 limits, adding to the 944 systems previously identified.

Notably, Anaheim and San Jose in California, along with Brownsville, Texas, have recorded PFAS levels above legal thresholds. In Anaheim, one well averaged 17 ppt PFOS and 8 ppt PFOA, double the allowable 4 ppt. San Jose reported PFOS levels twice the limit, while Brownsville's treatment plants slightly exceeded PFOS limits.

The EPA’s monitoring effort is ongoing, and the number of noncompliant systems is expected to rise. Utilities face the choice of alternative water sources or installing filtration systems, with compliance costs potentially affecting rates despite federal grant support. Legal disputes over the responsibility for PFAS contamination continue, highlighting tensions between environmental protection, public health, and industry accountability.

Local responses vary: Anaheim is investing $200 million in ion exchange filtration to clean groundwater wells by 2027, while Brownsville explores treatment options and funding support. The issue underscores the persistence of PFAS and the complex challenge of ensuring safe drinking water nationwide.

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• Are there forever chemicals in your water? Here's the latest data.

Author: Ava Mitchell
Ava Mitchell is a journalist covering culture, art, and literature. She is known for her creative approach and ability to produce in-depth features and interviews.