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Toxic 'Forever Chemicals' Pollute Drinking Water for Millions
14 Aug
Summary
- 839 water systems serving 46 million Americans exceed EPA limits for PFAS
- Emmaus, PA town fights $100K annual cost to filter out contaminated water
- EPA plans to rescind limits on some PFAS chemicals, sparking legal battles
As of August 2025, a troubling trend has emerged across the United States - hundreds of water systems are contaminated with toxic 'forever chemicals', putting the drinking water of millions of Americans at risk.
According to a recent analysis, 839 water utilities serving 46 million people have reported average PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) levels exceeding the EPA's limits. These chemicals, used in firefighting foams and various consumer products, are nearly indestructible and can accumulate in the body, increasing cancer risks.
The small town of Emmaus, Pennsylvania is a prime example of the challenges communities face. After discovering PFAS contamination in its water supply, Emmaus is now spending millions to install filtration systems, costing residents an extra $100,000 per year in maintenance. "Had we not gotten the grant, instantly our folks would have been paying four times what they pay today," says the borough manager.
Disturbingly, the EPA is now planning to rescind limits on four types of PFAS, sparking legal battles with water utilities who argue this will unfairly burden them and their customers. As the crisis deepens, communities across America are being forced to find alternative water sources or invest heavily in costly treatment systems to protect their residents.
