Understanding PFAS

Background   

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have garnered significant attention in recent years due to their potential impact on environmental and public health. In April 2024, the EPA announced a new addition to the national drinking water standards for certain PFAS chemicals.

What Are PFAS?

PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals that have been used in various industrial applications and consumer products since the 1940s. They are found in non-stick cookware, water-repellent clothing, stain-resistant fabrics, firefighting foams, and many other products. PFAS are sometimes referred to as “forever chemicals” because they do not break down easily and can accumulate in the environment over time.

Though PFAS can be found in drinking water, as a result of industrial dischargers upstream of the drinking water source (well, river, reservoir) the Centers for Disease Control and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimate that 80 percent of PFAS exposure comes from food and food packaging, cookware, cosmetics, and other sources.

How does PFAS enter Drinking Water?

PFAS can enter drinking water sources through various pathways, including industrial discharge, the use of firefighting foam, and leaching from landfills. Once in the water supply, PFAS can be challenging to remove due to their chemical stability.

What is LCWSC Doing About PFAS?

As your water utility, we take the presence of PFAS in drinking water seriously. Like many water utilities, we continue to monitor for PFAS to determine if levels meet or are below the regulatory limits.  Additionally, we are continuing to evaluate the latest research related to PFAS treatment to ensure that we are taking the most appropriate and effective actions to protect our community’s water supply and to meet these new, significant EPA regulations. LCWSC is also attempting to hold manufacturers accountable by bringing litigation against those industrial dischargers that we believe had a role in putting PFAS in our source (Saluda and Reedy Rivers).

What Can You Do?

While we are developing a strategy to remain compliant with drinking water requirements, there are steps you can take to further protect yourself and your family:

• Stay Informed: Follow updates from us and other trusted public health sources to stay informed about PFAS.
• Support Regulatory Actions: Advocate for appropriate, common-sense regulations and policies that protect public health by reducing PFAS in the environment and holding those truly responsible for contributing PFAS in the environment accountable.
• Limit your exposure:  Be mindful of the other 80 percent of your exposure to PFAS coming from food and food packaging, cookware, cosmetics, and other sources.

Conclusion

Delivering safe water is our mission. We are committed to following EPA’s PFAS rule to ensure we continue to protect public health in our community.

If you have any questions or concerns about PFAS or water quality, please do not hesitate to contact us. Together, we can ensure a healthy and sustainable future for our community.

Additional Resources:

EPA: PFAS (dedicated PFAS website)

S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control