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What are PFAS?

Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances, or PFAS, are a group of synthetic chemicals used in a wide variety of common applications, from the linings of fast-food boxes and non-stick cookware to fire-fighting foams and other purposes. Their persistence in the environment and occurrence across the country make them a unique water quality concern. Drinking water quality and potential exposures to per-and poly-fluoroalkyl substances at the point of use (tapwater) are a rising concern in the United States. 

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Related

A scientist wearing black gloves is collecting a sample of tap water from the kitchen sink using small plastic vials.

Does the USGS have data on PFAS in drinking water? Does the USGS have data on PFAS in drinking water?

Use the USGS PFAS in US Tapwater interactive Dashboard to find PFAS data for drinking water. Instructions are on the website or watch a short video about the dashboard. The dashboard incorporates data from several USGS reports that cover PFAS in water sources, including community water supplies. Some notable studies and datasets that were used for the dashboard include: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl...

Does the USGS have data on PFAS in drinking water?

Does the USGS have data on PFAS in drinking water?

Use the USGS PFAS in US Tapwater interactive Dashboard to find PFAS data for drinking water. Instructions are on the website or watch a short video about the dashboard. The dashboard incorporates data from several USGS reports that cover PFAS in water sources, including community water supplies. Some notable studies and datasets that were used for the dashboard include: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl...

Learn More
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Filter Total Items: 16

USGS Environmental Health Program—Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) science activities [postcard] USGS Environmental Health Program—Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) science activities [postcard]

Introduction The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Environmental Health Program conducts various activities related to PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) to understand their impacts on human health and the environment. Through these activities, the program aims to provide critical information and resources to address the challenges posed by PFAS contamination.
Authors
Deborah D. Iwanowicz
By
Ecosystems Mission Area

Predictions of groundwater PFAS occurrence at drinking water supply depths in the United States Predictions of groundwater PFAS occurrence at drinking water supply depths in the United States

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known colloquially as “forever chemicals”, have been associated with adverse human health effects and have contaminated drinking water supplies across the United States owing to their long-term and widespread use. People in the United States may unknowingly be drinking water that contains PFAS because of a lack of systematic analysis...
Authors
Andrea K. Tokranov, Katherine Marie Ransom, Laura M. Bexfield, Bruce D. Lindsey, Elise Watson, Danielle Dupuy, Paul E. Stackelberg, Miranda S. Fram, Stefan Voss, James A. Kingsbury, Bryant C. Jurgens, Kelly L. Smalling, Paul M. Bradley
By
Water Resources Mission Area, National Water Quality Program, California Water Science Center, New England Water Science Center, New Jersey Water Science Center, New Mexico Water Science Center, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC), Lower Mississippi-Gulf Water Science Center

Guide to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) sampling within Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration Guide to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) sampling within Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals with a nondegradable fluorinated carbon backbone that have been incorporated in countless industrial and commercial applications. Because PFAS are nondegradable, they have been detected in all environmental media, indicating extensive global contamination. The unique physiochemical properties of PFAS and their complex...
Authors
Erin L. Pulster, Sarah R. Bowman, Landon Keele, Jeffery A. Steevens
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Columbia Environmental Research Center

Assessment of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in water resources of New Mexico, 2020–21 Assessment of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in water resources of New Mexico, 2020–21

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been detected in public and private drinking-water wells, springs, and surface waters in New Mexico; however, the presence and distribution of PFAS in water resources across the State are not well characterized. From August 2020 to October 2021, the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the New Mexico Environment Department, collected...
Authors
Rebecca E. Travis, Kimberly R. Beisner, Kate Wilkins, Jeramy Roland Jasmann, Steffanie H. Keefe, Larry B. Barber
By
Water Resources Mission Area, New Mexico Water Science Center

Statewide sampling to determine spatial distribution, prevalence, and occurrence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in Illinois community water supplies, 2020–21 Statewide sampling to determine spatial distribution, prevalence, and occurrence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in Illinois community water supplies, 2020–21

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of synthetic chemicals that have been manufactured and used globally since the 1940s. PFAS are used for their oil- and water-repellent properties, ability to reduce friction, and their flame-retardant nature. PFAS are widely used in a variety of products, including clothing, carpet, food packaging, and firefighting foam. The...
Authors
Amy M. Gahala, Jennifer B. Sharpe, Andrew M. Williams
By
Central Midwest Water Science Center

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in United States tapwater: Comparison of underserved private-well and public-supply exposures and associated health implications Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in United States tapwater: Comparison of underserved private-well and public-supply exposures and associated health implications

Drinking-water quality is a rising concern in the United States (US), emphasizing the need to broadly assess exposures and potential health effects at the point-of-use. Drinking-water exposures to per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a national concern, however, there is limited information on PFAS in residential tapwater at the point-of-use, especially from private-wells. We...
Authors
Kelly L. Smalling, Kristin M. Romanok, Paul M. Bradley, Matthew C. Morriss, James L. Gray, Leslie K. Kanagy, Stephanie E. Gordon, Brianna Williams, Sara E. Breitmeyer, Daniel K. Jones, Laura A. DeCicco, Collin A. Eagles-Smith, Tyler Wagner
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Water Resources Mission Area, Cooperative Research Units, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, New Jersey Water Science Center, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC), Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Utah Water Science Center
New England WSC Expands Research on Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

New England WSC Expands Research on Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

The New England Water Science Center (New England WSC) is conducting multiple research projects on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a class...

Read Article
USGS Finds PFAS in Untreated Well Water Across Delaware

USGS Finds PFAS in Untreated Well Water Across Delaware

Contaminants known as per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances, or PFAS, were found to be widely distributed in untreated well water throughout...

Read Article
USGS Releases Strategy for Addressing PFAS Science Gaps

USGS Releases Strategy for Addressing PFAS Science Gaps

RESTON, Va. – The U.S. Geological Survey released a strategy today that outlines the agency’s future scientific role in the study of perfluoroalkyl...

Read Article

Related

A scientist wearing black gloves is collecting a sample of tap water from the kitchen sink using small plastic vials.

Does the USGS have data on PFAS in drinking water? Does the USGS have data on PFAS in drinking water?

Use the USGS PFAS in US Tapwater interactive Dashboard to find PFAS data for drinking water. Instructions are on the website or watch a short video about the dashboard. The dashboard incorporates data from several USGS reports that cover PFAS in water sources, including community water supplies. Some notable studies and datasets that were used for the dashboard include: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl...

Does the USGS have data on PFAS in drinking water?

Does the USGS have data on PFAS in drinking water?

Use the USGS PFAS in US Tapwater interactive Dashboard to find PFAS data for drinking water. Instructions are on the website or watch a short video about the dashboard. The dashboard incorporates data from several USGS reports that cover PFAS in water sources, including community water supplies. Some notable studies and datasets that were used for the dashboard include: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl...

Learn More
No results found.
Filter Total Items: 16

USGS Environmental Health Program—Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) science activities [postcard] USGS Environmental Health Program—Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) science activities [postcard]

Introduction The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Environmental Health Program conducts various activities related to PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) to understand their impacts on human health and the environment. Through these activities, the program aims to provide critical information and resources to address the challenges posed by PFAS contamination.
Authors
Deborah D. Iwanowicz
By
Ecosystems Mission Area

Predictions of groundwater PFAS occurrence at drinking water supply depths in the United States Predictions of groundwater PFAS occurrence at drinking water supply depths in the United States

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known colloquially as “forever chemicals”, have been associated with adverse human health effects and have contaminated drinking water supplies across the United States owing to their long-term and widespread use. People in the United States may unknowingly be drinking water that contains PFAS because of a lack of systematic analysis...
Authors
Andrea K. Tokranov, Katherine Marie Ransom, Laura M. Bexfield, Bruce D. Lindsey, Elise Watson, Danielle Dupuy, Paul E. Stackelberg, Miranda S. Fram, Stefan Voss, James A. Kingsbury, Bryant C. Jurgens, Kelly L. Smalling, Paul M. Bradley
By
Water Resources Mission Area, National Water Quality Program, California Water Science Center, New England Water Science Center, New Jersey Water Science Center, New Mexico Water Science Center, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC), Lower Mississippi-Gulf Water Science Center

Guide to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) sampling within Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration Guide to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) sampling within Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals with a nondegradable fluorinated carbon backbone that have been incorporated in countless industrial and commercial applications. Because PFAS are nondegradable, they have been detected in all environmental media, indicating extensive global contamination. The unique physiochemical properties of PFAS and their complex...
Authors
Erin L. Pulster, Sarah R. Bowman, Landon Keele, Jeffery A. Steevens
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Columbia Environmental Research Center

Assessment of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in water resources of New Mexico, 2020–21 Assessment of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in water resources of New Mexico, 2020–21

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been detected in public and private drinking-water wells, springs, and surface waters in New Mexico; however, the presence and distribution of PFAS in water resources across the State are not well characterized. From August 2020 to October 2021, the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the New Mexico Environment Department, collected...
Authors
Rebecca E. Travis, Kimberly R. Beisner, Kate Wilkins, Jeramy Roland Jasmann, Steffanie H. Keefe, Larry B. Barber
By
Water Resources Mission Area, New Mexico Water Science Center

Statewide sampling to determine spatial distribution, prevalence, and occurrence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in Illinois community water supplies, 2020–21 Statewide sampling to determine spatial distribution, prevalence, and occurrence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in Illinois community water supplies, 2020–21

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of synthetic chemicals that have been manufactured and used globally since the 1940s. PFAS are used for their oil- and water-repellent properties, ability to reduce friction, and their flame-retardant nature. PFAS are widely used in a variety of products, including clothing, carpet, food packaging, and firefighting foam. The...
Authors
Amy M. Gahala, Jennifer B. Sharpe, Andrew M. Williams
By
Central Midwest Water Science Center

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in United States tapwater: Comparison of underserved private-well and public-supply exposures and associated health implications Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in United States tapwater: Comparison of underserved private-well and public-supply exposures and associated health implications

Drinking-water quality is a rising concern in the United States (US), emphasizing the need to broadly assess exposures and potential health effects at the point-of-use. Drinking-water exposures to per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a national concern, however, there is limited information on PFAS in residential tapwater at the point-of-use, especially from private-wells. We...
Authors
Kelly L. Smalling, Kristin M. Romanok, Paul M. Bradley, Matthew C. Morriss, James L. Gray, Leslie K. Kanagy, Stephanie E. Gordon, Brianna Williams, Sara E. Breitmeyer, Daniel K. Jones, Laura A. DeCicco, Collin A. Eagles-Smith, Tyler Wagner
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Water Resources Mission Area, Cooperative Research Units, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, New Jersey Water Science Center, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC), Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Utah Water Science Center
New England WSC Expands Research on Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

New England WSC Expands Research on Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

The New England Water Science Center (New England WSC) is conducting multiple research projects on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a class...

Read Article
USGS Finds PFAS in Untreated Well Water Across Delaware

USGS Finds PFAS in Untreated Well Water Across Delaware

Contaminants known as per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances, or PFAS, were found to be widely distributed in untreated well water throughout...

Read Article
USGS Releases Strategy for Addressing PFAS Science Gaps

USGS Releases Strategy for Addressing PFAS Science Gaps

RESTON, Va. – The U.S. Geological Survey released a strategy today that outlines the agency’s future scientific role in the study of perfluoroalkyl...

Read Article
Updated Date: May 12, 2026
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