In brief
Recent research indicates alarming contamination levels of PFAS, known as “forever chemicals,” persist in treated wastewater, jeopardizing the drinking water for millions as reliance on recycled water grows due to climate change and resource scarcity.
As communities around the nation increasingly turn to treated wastewater solutions amid growing water scarcity concerns, a new study highlights a critical health risk: pervasive contamination from PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. Though wastewater treatment is designed to create safe drinking supplies, researchers from Harvard and New York University found that treated sewage still harbors significant levels of these so-called “forever chemicals,” which are linked to cancer and other serious health issues.The study, published on January 6, 2025, examined wastewater samples from treatment facilities nationwide and revealed heightened concentrations of PFAS. Notably, the research discovered not only these harmful chemicals but also high levels of organofluorines—a broader category that includes unregulated substances used in everyday products like pharmaceuticals and nonstick coatings.According to the study, wastewater treatment methods often fail to adequately remove these compounds, resulting in higher concentrations post-treatment. As water scarcity worsens due to climate change, researchers are concerned about the implications of recycling untreated wastewater. Professor Bridger Ruyle emphasized that approximately 50% of the country’s drinking water sources are located downstream of wastewater facilities, effectively integrating treated sewage into the broader water supply.The findings indicate that water contamination from PFAS already affects an estimated 23 million Americans. The study advocates for stricter regulations on PFAS to mitigate existing pollution sources. The implications extend to the practice of using treated sludge from wastewater plants as fertilizer on farmland, which raises further health and safety questions.This research underscores the urgent need for addressing the risks presented by “forever chemicals” in efforts to sustainably manage water resources in the face of increasing global challenges.
