Drinking Water Map Shows States With High Contamination Levels

A drinking water map created by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) from a collection of national data reveals the concerning number of drinking water systems with levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, exceeding proposed limits across the U.S.

PFAS encompass thousands of man-made chemicals found in everyday items such as nonstick cookware, firefighting foams, grease-resistant food wrappers and water-resistant clothing. PFAS, known as "forever chemicals" because of the long time it takes them to break down, can cause harm in high exposure amounts.

During the breakdown process, PFAS can seep into the soil and water supply. These chemicals threaten the water supply when products containing them are dumped onto the ground or into lakes and rivers. In April, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) introduced legally enforceable limits for some PFAS compounds, prompting municipalities around the nation to take a closer look at their water treatment systems.