Nearly 100 million Americans exposed to toxic 'forever chemicals' in tap water, study finds
By isabelle // 2025-03-15
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  • Nearly 100 million Americans are exposed to PFAS-contaminated tap water, linked to cancer, thyroid issues, and developmental problems.
  • A USGS study found 71-95 million homes affected, with major cities like New York and Miami among the hardest hit.
  • PFAS, used in products like nonstick cookware and firefighting foam, persist in groundwater for thousands of years.
  • Exposure to PFAS contributes to an estimated 6,800 cancer cases annually, yet federal regulations remain inadequate.
  • Cities like Fort Worth are suing manufacturers and the Department of Defense for PFAS contamination, demanding accountability and solutions.
Nearly 100 million Americans are drinking tap water contaminated with harmful "forever chemicals," according to a groundbreaking study by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). These per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), linked to cancer, developmental issues, and thyroid problems, have infiltrated groundwater supplies across the nation, particularly in major cities like New York, Miami, and Chicago. Despite decades of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversight, the widespread contamination highlights a growing public health crisis that demands urgent action.

Widespread contamination across the U.S.

The USGS study, which tested 1,200 public and private wells nationwide, revealed that 71 to 95 million American homes are exposed to PFAS in their drinking water. Major urban centers are among the hardest hit, with Massachusetts topping the list as 98% of its public wells are contaminated. New York and Connecticut follow closely, with 94% of public water supplies affected. Rural areas, while less impacted, are not immune, as private wells in states like Connecticut and New Jersey show alarming contamination rates of 87% and 84%, respectively. PFAS, used in products ranging from nonstick cookware to firefighting foam, are notorious for their persistence in the environment. They seep into groundwater, where they can take thousands of years to break down, and eventually enter drinking water supplies. Andrea Tokranov, a USGS scientist who led the study, emphasized the urgency of the findings: "This study's findings indicate widespread PFAS contamination in groundwater that is used for public and private drinking water supplies in the U.S."

Health risks and regulatory gaps

Exposure to PFAS has been linked to a range of serious health problems, including thyroid disorders, developmental delays in children, and cancers of the kidney, breast, and testicles. A separate study by the Keck School of Medicine of USC found that communities with PFAS-contaminated drinking water experienced up to a 33% higher incidence of certain cancers, including digestive, endocrine, and respiratory cancers. Researchers estimate that PFAS exposure contributes to nearly 6,800 cancer cases annually in the U.S. Despite these risks, federal regulation of PFAS has been slow and inconsistent. While the EPA established limits for certain PFAS in drinking water last year, critics argue these measures are insufficient. Conventional methods of water treatment typically don't remove PFAS, highlighting the need for specialized filtration systems that many communities cannot afford.

Cities fight back

In response to the crisis, some cities are taking legal action. Fort Worth, Texas, recently filed a $400 million lawsuit against the Department of Defense and manufacturers like 3M and DuPont, alleging that PFAS-laden firefighting foam used at military bases contaminated the city's water supply. "These 'forever chemicals' have been linked to serious health risks," a Fort Worth spokesperson told Newsweek. "We are committed to protecting our drinking water and public health." Similar lawsuits have emerged in California and Ohio, where communities are grappling with the financial and health burdens of PFAS contamination. The legal battles underscore the growing frustration with federal inaction and the need for accountability from manufacturers who knowingly produced and sold PFAS-containing products. The PFAS crisis is a reminder of the challenges facing America's aging water infrastructure and the need for stronger environmental protections. As New HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. vowed during his presidential campaign, "One of my top priorities as an environmental president will be to get cancer-causing PFAS and other 'forever chemicals' out of our food, water, and environment." He has already taken steps to get fluoride out of tap water. For now, millions of Americans remain at risk, relying on water that may be silently harming their health. The USGS study's interactive map offers a starting point for identifying high-risk areas, but experts agree that more comprehensive testing, stricter regulations, and investment in advanced filtration systems are essential to safeguarding public health. Sources for this article include: DailyMail.co.uk Newsweek.com Keck.USC.edu
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