PFAS in Philadelphia Drinking Water: What You Need to Know

If you’re a homeowner in Philadelphia, then you may be wondering if your drinking water has PFAS in it. Recent reports have shown that there may be high levels of PFAS in the city’s drinking water. This is a cause for concern, as PFAS are known to be harmful to human health.

In the most recent sampling program, Philadelphia’s tap water had PFAS concentrations ranging from 6.3 to 36.9 ppt. Every water sample tested had PFAS contamination. None of the sample results were above the EPA’s health advisory levels or the State of Pennsylvania’s MCLs.

In this blog post, we will discuss what PFAS are and why they are a threat to public health. We will also provide advice on how homeowners can protect themselves and their families from the dangers of PFAS.

What Are PFAS

PFAS is an acronym for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. They are a group of man-made chemicals that includes perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), and GenX. There are more than 5,000 PFAS compounds.

PFAS have been used in a variety of products, including nonstick cookware, water-repellent clothing, stain-resistant fabrics and carpets, food packaging, and firefighting foams. They have been used in industry for decades.

PFAS are concerning because they are persistent in the environment and can accumulate in the human body over time. Most of these chemicals do not biodegrade or break down easily in the environment. They can remain in the environment for long periods of time, and they can move through soil and water. This is why they are known as “forever chemicals.”

Safety concerns

There is growing evidence that exposure to PFAS can have harmful health effects. According to the CDC, PFAS exposure can lead to the following health concerns:

1. Increased cholesterol levels
2. Reduced vaccine response in children
3. Liver impacts
4. High blood pressure
5. Pre-eclampsia in pregnant women
6. Reduced infant birth weights
7. Increased risk of kidney or testicular cancer

Does PFAS cause cancer? No one knows for sure.

Neither the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services nor the International Agency for Research on Cancer have assessed the carcinogenicity of PFAS compounds. The US EPA is investigating whether PFOS and PFOA cause cancer.

Many people in the US drink water or eat food that has very low concentrations of PFAS compounds in it. This is problematic because the human health effects from exposure to low environmental levels of PFOS and PFOA are not known.

How do PFAS get into my drinking water?

PFAS can enter the environment from a variety of sources, including:

1. Industrial sites: PFAS can be released into the environment from factories that use or make these chemicals. For example, paper mills that use PFAS to make their products can release these chemicals into the air and water.
2. Airports: Firefighting foams containing PFAS are used at airports. When these foams are used, PFAS can enter the environment through runoff or evaporation.
3. Landfills and sewage treatment plants: Landfills and sewage treatment plants can release PFAS into the environment when they break down these chemicals.
4. Household products: Some household products, such as carpeting, upholstery, and nonstick cookware, can release PFAS into the environment.

PFAS can enter drinking water through runoff from these sources. They can also enter drinking water when sewage treatment plants discharge these chemicals to rivers and lakes.

PFAS drinking water standards

There are no federal drinking water standards for PFAS. The EPA is responsible for assessing the safety of drinking water. They limit the concentration of contaminants in drinking water using maximum contaminant levels (MCLs).

The EPA health advisory levels for PFAS compounds are:

• PFOA = 0.004 ppt (interim)
• PFOS = 0.02 ppt (interim)
• GenX chemicals = 10 ppt
• PFBS = 2,000 ppt

The Pennsylvania DEP follows the health advisories established by EPA for PFOA and PFOS. They do not have state-specific drinking water standards.

Are PFAS Chemicals in Philadelphia Drinking Water

Philadelphia’s public drinking water has PFAS compounds in it. The most recent testing data shows that the maximum concentration of total PFAS is 36.9 parts per trillion (ppt). The city is closely monitoring the levels of these chemicals in drinking water.

PFAS testing program

The Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) began testing the tap water for PFAS in 2019. They have continued testing the water on an ongoing basis.

The most recent sampling program focused on treated tap water – also known as “finished water”. Samples were collected from the city’s three treatment plants:

1. Baxter – water is drawn from the Delaware River
2. Queen Lane – water is drawn from the Schuylkill River
3. Belmont – water is drawn from the Schuylkill River

Fifteen water samples were collected from each treatment facility. Two locations were sampled at the Queen Lane plant.

The samples were analyzed for the following 14 PFAS compounds:

1. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)
2. Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS)
3. Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS)
4. Perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA)
5. Perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS)
6. Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA)
7. Perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA)
8. Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA)
9. Perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoA)
10. Perfluorotridecanoic acid (PFTrDA)
11. Perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnA)
12. N-ethyl Perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid
13. N-methyl Perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid
14. Perfluorotetradecanoic acid (PFTeDA)

PFAS testing results

The PWD makes the analytical testing results available to the public. We reviewed the data and conducted a thorough review.

Nine of the 14 PFAS compounds PWD tested for had concentrations greater than the detection limit (this is the lowest level the laboratory can “see”).

The maximum concentration of each PFAS compounds detected in Philadelphia’s drinking water is presented below:

1. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA): 8 ng/L
2. Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS): 6.6 ng/L
3. Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS): 4.9 ng/L
4. Perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA): 4.4 ng/L
5. Perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS): 1.9 ng/L
6. Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA): 1.9 ng/L
7. Perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA): 4.8 ng/L
8. Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA): 8 ng/L
9. Perfluorotetradecanoic acid (PFTeDA): 8 ng/L

None of the compounds were detected at levels above the EPA’s health advisory levels. It should be noted, however, that the EPA only has standards (MCLs) for two PFAS compounds – PFOA and PFOS.

Here is the data from all of the PFAS testing. As you can see, there is a lot of information.

Analyte	Baxter	Queen Lane 1	Queen Lane 2	Belmont
Sample Date: 08/16/2021
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)	3.2	7.0	7.5	6.9
Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS)	2.3	5.7	5.5	5.0
Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS)	< 2.0	4.0	4.1	4.0
Perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA)	< 2.0	3.0	3.1	3.2
Perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS)	< 2.0	< 2.0	< 2.0	< 2.0
Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA)	< 2.0	< 2.0	< 2.0	< 2.0
Perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA)	< 2.0	< 2.0	< 2.0	< 2.0
Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA)	3.2	6.4	6.6	6.0
Perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoA)	< 2.0	< 2.0	< 2.0	< 2.0
Perfluorotridecanoic acid (PFTrDA)	< 2.0	< 2.0	< 2.0	< 2.0
Perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnA)	< 2.0	< 2.0	< 2.0	< 2.0
N-ethyl Perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid	< 2.0	< 2.0	< 2.0	< 2.0
N-methyl Perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid	< 2.0	< 2.0	< 2.0	< 2.0
Perfluorotetradecanoic acid (PFTeDA)	< 2.0	< 2.0	< 2.0	< 2.0
Sample Date: 08/30/2021
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)	2.2	6.9	6.9	6.3
Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS)	< 1.8	6.6	5.9	5.6
Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS)	< 1.8	4.0	3.7	3.7
Perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA)	< 1.8	2.8	2.8	2.7
Perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS)	< 1.8	< 1.8	< 1.8	< 1.8
Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA)	< 1.8	< 1.8	< 1.8	< 1.8
Perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA)	< 1.8	< 1.8	< 1.8	< 1.8
Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA)	1.8	4.8	4.8	4.1
Perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoA)	< 1.8	< 1.8	< 1.8	< 1.8
Perfluorotridecanoic acid (PFTrDA)	< 1.8	< 1.8	< 1.8	< 1.8
Perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnA)	< 1.8	< 1.8	< 1.8	< 1.8
N-ethyl Perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid	< 1.8	< 1.8	< 1.8	< 1.8
N-methyl Perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid	< 1.8	< 1.8	< 1.8	< 1.8
Perfluorotetradecanoic acid (PFTeDA)	< 1.8	< 1.8	< 1.8	< 1.8
Sample Date: 09/13/2021
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)	2.4	6.8	7.0	5.2
Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS)	< 1.8	5.4	5.6	3.8
Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS)	< 1.8	4.5	4.7	4.1
Perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA)	< 1.8	3.0	3.1	2.4
Perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS)	< 1.8	< 1.9	< 1.8	< 1.9
Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA)	< 1.8	< 1.9	< 1.8	< 1.9
Perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA)	< 1.8	< 1.9	< 1.8	< 1.9
Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA)	2.3	5.2	5.4	4.1
Perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoA)	< 1.8	< 1.9	< 1.8	< 1.9
Perfluorotridecanoic acid (PFTrDA)	< 1.8	< 1.9	< 1.8	< 1.9
Perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnA)	< 1.8	< 1.9	< 1.8	< 1.9
N-ethyl Perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid	< 1.8	< 1.9	< 1.8	< 1.9
N-methyl Perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid	< 1.8	< 1.9	< 1.8	< 1.9
Perfluorotetradecanoic acid (PFTeDA)	< 1.8	< 1.9	< 1.8	< 1.9
Sample Date: 09/27/2021
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)	< 1.9	7.4	7.1	5.9
Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS)	< 1.9	5.5	5.5	4.3
Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS)	< 1.9	3.8	3.7	3.4
Perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA)	< 1.9	3.0	2.9	2.4
Perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS)	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.9
Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA)	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.9
Perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA)	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.9
Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA)	< 1.9	4.9	4.9	4.0
Perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoA)	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.9
Perfluorotridecanoic acid (PFTrDA)	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.9
Perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnA)	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.9
N-ethyl Perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.9
N-methyl Perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.9
Perfluorotetradecanoic acid (PFTeDA)	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.9
Sample Date: 10/18/2021
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)	2.0	7.8	7.5	7.2
Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS)	< 1.9	4.8	4.9	4.2
Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS)	< 1.9	4.2	4.7	4.6
Perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA)	< 1.9	2.8	2.7	2.8
Perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS)	< 1.9	1.7	1.9	< 1.8
Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA)	< 1.9	< 1.7	< 1.8	< 1.8
Perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA)	< 1.9	< 1.7	< 1.8	< 1.8
Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA)	2.1	5.9	6.3	5.8
Perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoA)	< 1.9	< 1.7	< 1.8	< 1.8
Perfluorotridecanoic acid (PFTrDA)	< 1.9	< 1.7	< 1.8	< 1.8
Perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnA)	< 1.9	< 1.7	< 1.8	< 1.8
N-ethyl Perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid	< 1.9	< 1.7	< 1.8	< 1.8
N-methyl Perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid	< 1.9	< 1.7	< 1.8	< 1.8
Perfluorotetradecanoic acid (PFTeDA)	< 1.9	< 1.7	< 1.8	< 1.8
Sample Date: 10/25/2021
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)	2.4	7.5	7.4	6.4
Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS)	< 1.8	4.7	4.8	3.8
Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS)	< 1.8	4.6	4.9	4.7
Perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA)	< 1.8	2.9	2.8	2.7
Perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS)	< 1.8	1.9	< 1.9	< 1.8
Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA)	< 1.8	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.8
Perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA)	< 1.8	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.8
Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA)	2.5	6.5	6.3	5.2
Perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoA)	< 1.8	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.8
Perfluorotridecanoic acid (PFTrDA)	< 1.8	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.8
Perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnA)	< 1.8	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.8
N-ethyl Perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid	< 1.8	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.8
N-methyl Perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid	< 1.8	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.8
Perfluorotetradecanoic acid (PFTeDA)	< 1.8	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.8
Sample Date: 11/08/2021
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)	2.1	6.8	6.8	5.5
Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS)	< 1.7	4.4	4.7	3.3
Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS)	< 1.7	4.0	4.2	3.9
Perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA)	< 1.7	2.4	2.6	2.2
Perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS)	< 1.7	< 1.7	< 1.7	< 1.8
Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA)	< 1.7	< 1.7	< 1.7	< 1.8
Perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA)	< 1.7	< 1.7	< 1.7	< 1.8
Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA)	< 1.7	5.0	5.1	3.9
Perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoA)	< 1.7	< 1.7	< 1.7	< 1.8
Perfluorotridecanoic acid (PFTrDA)	< 1.7	< 1.7	< 1.7	< 1.8
Perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnA)	< 1.7	< 1.7	< 1.7	< 1.8
N-ethyl Perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid	< 1.7	< 1.7	< 1.7	< 1.8
N-methyl Perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid	< 1.7	< 1.7	< 1.7	< 1.8
Perfluorotetradecanoic acid (PFTeDA)	< 1.7	< 1.7	< 1.7	< 1.8
Sample Date: 11/22/2021
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)	< 1.7	6.3	6.1	4.8
Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS)	< 1.7	4.1	4.0	2.9
Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS)	< 1.7	3.8	3.7	3.4
Perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA)	< 1.7	2.4	2.3	2.0
Perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS)	< 1.7	< 1.7	< 1.7	< 1.7
Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA)	< 1.7	< 1.7	< 1.7	< 1.7
Perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA)	< 1.7	< 1.7	< 1.7	< 1.7
Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA)	< 1.7	4.9	4.8	3.7
Perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoA)	< 1.7	< 1.7	< 1.7	< 1.7
Perfluorotridecanoic acid (PFTrDA)	< 1.7	< 1.7	< 1.7	< 1.7
Perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnA)	< 1.7	< 1.7	< 1.7	< 1.7
N-ethyl Perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid	< 1.7	< 1.7	< 1.7	< 1.7
N-methyl Perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid	< 1.7	< 1.7	< 1.7	< 1.7
Perfluorotetradecanoic acid (PFTeDA)	< 1.7	< 1.7	< 1.7	< 1.7
Sample Date: 12/06/2021
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)	2.6	6.9	6.6	5.5
Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS)	2.2	3.8	3.9	3.1
Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS)	< 1.9	3.8	3.9	3.6
Perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA)	< 1.9	2.5	2.5	2.3
Perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS)	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.9
Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA)	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.9
Perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA)	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.9
Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA)	2.1	5.5	5.4	4.5
Perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoA)	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.9
Perfluorotridecanoic acid (PFTrDA)	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.9
Perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnA)	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.9
N-ethyl Perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.9
N-methyl Perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.9
Perfluorotetradecanoic acid (PFTeDA)	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.9
Sample Date: 12/20/2021
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)	2.3	7.7	7.6	5.7
Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS)	< 1.9	4.1	4.1	3.2
Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS)	< 1.9	4.2	4.2	3.8
Perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA)	< 1.9	2.9	3.3	2.5
Perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS)	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.8
Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA)	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.8
Perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA)	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.8
Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA)	2.4	7.3	7.8	5.5
Perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoA)	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.8
Perfluorotridecanoic acid (PFTrDA)	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.8
Perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnA)	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.8
N-ethyl Perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.8
N-methyl Perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.8
Perfluorotetradecanoic acid (PFTeDA)	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.8
Sample Date: 01/03/2022
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)	3.4	7.5	7.4	5.8
Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS)	3.0	4.7	4.8	4.2
Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS)	< 1.7	3.9	3.9	3.5
Perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA)	< 1.7	3.1	3.2	2.8
Perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS)	< 1.7	1.9	< 1.8	< 1.8
Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA)	< 1.7	< 1.8	< 1.8	< 1.8
Perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA)	< 1.7	< 1.8	< 1.8	< 1.8
Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA)	3.1	6.8	7.2	5.2
Perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoA)	< 1.7	< 1.8	< 1.8	< 1.8
Perfluorotridecanoic acid (PFTrDA)	< 1.7	< 1.8	< 1.8	< 1.8
Perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnA)	< 1.7	< 1.8	< 1.8	< 1.8
N-ethyl Perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid	< 1.7	< 1.8	< 1.8	< 1.8
N-methyl Perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid	< 1.7	< 1.8	< 1.8	< 1.8
Perfluorotetradecanoic acid (PFTeDA)	< 1.7	< 1.8	< 1.8	< 1.8
Sample Date: 01/18/2022
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)	3.1	6.4	5.9	3.9
Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS)	3.5	4.6	4.1	3.7
Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS)	< 1.9	3.8	3.7	3.3
Perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA)	< 1.9	2.6	2.6	2.4
Perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS)	< 1.9	< 1.8	< 1.9	< 1.8
Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA)	< 1.9	< 1.8	< 1.9	< 1.8
Perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA)	< 1.9	< 1.8	< 1.9	< 1.8
Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA)	3.0	5.6	6.1	4.9
Perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoA)	< 1.9	< 1.8	< 1.9	< 1.8
Perfluorotridecanoic acid (PFTrDA)	< 1.9	< 1.8	< 1.9	< 1.8
Perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnA)	< 1.9	< 1.8	< 1.9	< 1.8
N-ethyl Perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid	< 1.9	< 1.8	< 1.9	< 1.8
N-methyl Perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid	< 1.9	< 1.8	< 1.9	< 1.8
Perfluorotetradecanoic acid (PFTeDA)	< 1.9	< 1.8	< 1.9	< 1.8
Sample Date: 02/07/2022
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)	8.0	6.7	7.9	7.9
Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS)	5.3	6.4	5.4	4.3
Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS)	3.0	< 2.0	3.2	3.0
Perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA)	4.0	3.9	4.2	4.4
Perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS)	< 1.9	1.9	< 2.0	< 1.9
Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA)	1.9	< 2.0	< 2.0	< 1.9
Perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA)	< 1.9	< 2.0	< 2.0	< 1.9
Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA)	8.0	6.2	7.9	6.7
Perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoA)	< 1.9	< 2.0	< 2.0	< 1.9
Perfluorotridecanoic acid (PFTrDA)	< 1.9	< 2.0	< 2.0	< 1.9
Perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnA)	< 1.9	< 2.0	< 2.0	< 1.9
N-ethyl Perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid	< 1.9	< 2.0	< 2.0	< 1.9
N-methyl Perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid	< 1.9	< 2.0	< 2.0	< 1.9
Perfluorotetradecanoic acid (PFTeDA)	< 1.9	< 2.0	< 2.0	< 1.9
Sample Date: 02/14/2022
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)	3.9	7.7	7.7	6.4
Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS)	2.8	4.5	4.2	3.0
Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS)	< 1.9	3.7	3.5	3.3
Perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA)	2.2	4.0	3.6	3.3
Perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS)	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.9
Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA)	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.9
Perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA)	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.9
Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA)	4.3	6.6	6.3	5.8
Perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoA)	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.9
Perfluorotridecanoic acid (PFTrDA)	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.9
Perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnA)	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.9
N-ethyl Perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.9
N-methyl Perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.9
Perfluorotetradecanoic acid (PFTeDA)	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.9
Sample Date: 02/28/2022
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)	3.0	7.7	6.9	5.8
Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS)	2.5	4.7	4.7	3.3
Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS)	< 1.9	3.4	3.2	2.9
Perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA)	< 1.9	3.0	2.9	2.7
Perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS)	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.8	< 1.9
Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA)	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.8	< 1.9
Perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA)	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.8	< 1.9
Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA)	2.9	6.0	6.3	4.5
Perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoA)	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.8	< 1.9
Perfluorotridecanoic acid (PFTrDA)	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.8	< 1.9
Perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnA)	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.8	< 1.9
N-ethyl Perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.8	< 1.9
N-methyl Perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.8	< 1.9
Perfluorotetradecanoic acid (PFTeDA)	< 1.9	< 1.9	< 1.8	< 1.9

 

The Philadelphia Water Department provides drinking water to approximately 1.6 million residents in the City of Philadelphia. The presence of PFAS in the city’s drinking water is a major health risk and the top priority for the Water Department.

What do these results mean

First, the good news. None of the PFAS compounds had concentrations that were above the EPA’s health advisory levels. In addition, none were above the Pennsylvania standards.

Now, the not so good news. Every one of the water samples had PFAS contamination. The total PFAS concentrations ranged from 6.3 to 36.9 ppt.

According to the EPA, these levels are safe to drink. The federal health experts do not expect significant health effects if you drink this water.

Personally, I don’t want to consume any PFAS, regardless of the amount. But that’s just me.

What Is Being Done

Given the fact that PFAS compounds bioaccumulate in our bodies and their serios health implications, what is being done to remove these chemicals from Philadelphia’s water?

Here is a summary of the local, state, and federal response to PFAS in Philadelphia’s drinking water.

1 – Philadelphia Water Department actions

The PWD is working to reduce the levels of PFAS in drinking water. They are doing this by:

1. Identifying and addressing sources of PFAS contamination: PWD implemented monitoring programs for the city’s drinking water supplies.
2. Monitoring drinking water for PFAS compounds: PWD has been testing water from the treatment plants.
3. Communicating with the public about the issue: PWD issued a statement about PFAS contamination in the public water system.

2 – Pennsylvania DEP response

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) is the state agency responsible for public drinking water and establishing standards. They have been working on this problem for many years and have taken the following actions:

1. Statewide PFAS sampling program: PADEP has been sampling public water supplies across the state for several years. They publish an annual report to keep the public informed.
2. PFAS action team: The agency created a group of PFAS experts to monitor regulatory and technical information as it develops.
3. Public meetings: PADEP makes significant efforts to keep the public informed. They hold routine public meetings across the state.
4. Newsletter: PADEP sends out a quarterly newsletter to keep the public informed about their work on PFAS and other environmental issues.
5. Safe Drinking Water Program: The state’s Safe Drinking Water Program manages the federally delegated drinking water program. They are responsible for implementing the federal and state Safe Drinking Water Act regulations.

3 – US EPA involvement

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the federal agency responsible for public drinking water and setting drinking water standards. They have been working on this problem for many years and have taken the following actions:

1. National PFAS Strategy: The EPA has developed a strategy to address PFAS contamination.
2. PFAS Action Plan: The agency has developed a plan of short-term and long-term actions to reduce PFAS contamination.
3. Health Advisories: The EPA has developed a drinking water regulation for two PFAS compounds – PFOA and PFOS. They issued health advisories for several PFAS compounds.
4. Research: The EPA is funding research to develop new methods to remove PFAS from drinking water.
5. Regulations: EPA issued a proposal to designate two of the most widely used PFAS compounds as hazardous substances under CERCLA (i.e., Superfund).

What Can I Do About PFAS in My Drinking Water

If you’re concerned about PFAS in your drinking water, there are some things you can do to reduce your exposure.

Test your water: If you’re concerned about whether or not PFAS is in your drinking water, you can have your water tested.

Install a PFAS filter: If you want to reduce your exposure to PFAS, you can install a water filter in your home. Be sure to choose a filter that is certified by NSF International to remove PFAS from drinking water.

Don’t use PFAS-containing products: You can reduce your exposure to PFAS by avoiding products that contain them.

Educate yourself and others about the issue: One of the best things you can do is to educate yourself and others about the issue of PFAS contamination. The more people are aware of the problem, the more pressure there will be on government and industry to take action.

If you want to remove PFAS from your drinking water, read these articles to learn more.

Eliminating PFAS from Drinking Water: Top Treatment Technologies

PFAS Contamination – Does Boiling Drinking Water Remove PFAS

Do Brita Filters Remove PFAS – Real World Testing Data

Does Your Refrigerator Water Filter Treat PFAS

Reverse Osmosis: How Well Does It Treat PFAS

New Brita Filter Removes 11 PFAS Compounds – Purefast

Do ZeroWater Filters Remove PFAS? The Definitive Answer

Do Carbon Filters Remove PFAS and GenX Chemicals?

FAQs

What cities have PFAS in drinking water?

PFAS compounds have been detected in the public drinking water in 34 US cities. Not every public water supply has been asked by EPA to test for PFAS compounds. Most don’t do it unless they have to.

What chemicals are in Philadelphia water?

Philadelphia has several contaminants in its public water system. These include disinfection byproducts (DBPs), chromium 6, lead, and PFAS.

Where does Philadelphia tap water come from?

Philadelphia gets its drinking water from two sources: the Delaware River and the Schuylkill River. The PDW treats this water at three treatment plants.

Conclusion

Philadelphia’s tap water had PFAS concentrations ranging from 6.3 to 36.9 ppt in the most recent sampling program. However, none of the sample results were above the EPA’s health advisory levels or the State of Pennsylvania’s MCLs.

So, what does this mean for homeowners in Philadelphia? Are we at risk for exposure to these harmful chemicals?

We covered what PFAS are and why they are a threat to public health. We also provided advice on how you can protect yourself and your family from the dangers of PFAS. If you’re a homeowner in Philadelphia, it’s important that you stay informed about these risks and take steps to protect yourself and your family from potential exposure to PFAS.