Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)
What are PFAS?
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are a family of chemicals used since the 1940s to manufacture stain-resistant, water-resistant and non-stick products. PFAS are widely used in common consumer products as coatings, like food packaging, outdoor clothing, carpets, leather goods, personal care products, cosmetics and more. Certain types of firefighting foams—historically used by the U.S. military, local fire departments, and airports to fight oil and gasoline fires—may also contain PFAS.
These substances stay in the environment for a long time because they do not break down easily. As a result, PFAS are widely detected in soil, water, air and food. People can be exposed to PFAS when they use products that contain the compounds, eat PFAS-contaminated food or drink PFAS-contaminated water. When ingested, some PFAS can build up in the body. Over time, they may accumulate to levels associated with negative health outcomes.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is focused on a small number of these compounds that may have health effects at very low concentrations, two of which are perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS).
PFAS and Public Health
Chemicals like PFAS do not originate in the Tampa Bay Water treated drinking water supply provided to Pinellas County Utilities (PCU) customers. The manufacturing and use of products with PFAS puts PFAS chemicals into the environment, where, over time, they may end up in drinking water supplies.
PCU delivers clean, quality tap water that meets or exceeds all federal and state standards for safe drinking water. Tampa Bay Water treatment plants are not located near industrial or manufacturing facilities known to produce PFAS materials.
FAQS
Are PFAS regulated?
In April 2024, EPA issued regulations to limit PFAS in drinking water. The regulation sets limits of 4 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOA and PFOS and 10 ppt for PFNA, PFHxS and HFPO-DA Chemicals. EPA is also setting a limit for any mixture of two or more of the following PFAS: PFNA, PFHxS, PFBS, and HFPO-DA Chemicals.
Public water systems will complete initial monitoring for these PFAS by the end of 2027, followed by ongoing compliance monitoring. By the end of 2029, public water systems will be required to implement solutions that reduce these PFAS if this compliance monitoring shows that drinking water levels exceed these MCLs.
How can PFAS get into drinking water?
PFAS do not originate in drinking water. PFAS are slow to break down in the environment and can move far from their original use areas. The manufacturing, use, and discarding of these products put PFAS into the environment, where, over time, they may end up in drinking water sources.
More Information
More information can be found at the US EPA, Tampa Bay Water, and Florida Department of Health sites below: