Predicting and Communicating PFAS Exposure Risks from Rural Private Wells

Abstract

Households relying on private wells in the United States are at risk of PFAS exposure from a variety of sources. At four case study areas across the U.S., 270 households collected tap water samples for subsequent laboratory analysis via EPA Method 533. Overall, 63% of households had some detectable PFAS above the study MRL, and 49% had PFAS above a current EPA Maximum Contaminant Level Goal. Participants received results reports that compared their household results to health-based guidelines set by the U.S. EPA and the states where study participants lived. Sum of PFAS was also compared to guidelines from the International Bottled Water Association and the European Union to provide practical benchmarks for recommending use of water filters. Of the 69 survey responses (25% of all participants), the majority found both the results report and our webinar/meeting presentations helpful, while 51% reported taking some action in response to test results.