A major new government study just delivered shocking news about what’s coming out of America’s kitchen faucets. Scientists found “forever chemicals” in nearly half of all tap water samples they tested across the country – and it doesn’t matter whether you get your water from the city or have your own private well.
Here’s what this landmark study found and what it means for your family’s drinking water.
The Study That Changes Everything
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) just completed the most comprehensive study ever done on forever chemicals in American tap water. What they found will change how you think about the water coming from your faucet.
The big numbers:
- At least 45% of tap water samples contained one or more PFAS chemicals
- Scientists tested water from 716 locations across all 50 states
- Both public water systems and private wells had similar contamination levels
- Samples were collected directly from people’s kitchen sinks between 2016 and 2021
What makes this study different: Previous studies tested water at treatment plants or wells. This time, scientists went straight to people’s homes and collected water right from their kitchen taps – where families actually drink it.
What Are Forever Chemicals Doing in Our Water?
PFAS (forever chemicals) have been used in thousands of products for decades. Now they’re everywhere – including your drinking water.
How they got there:
- Firefighting foam used at airports and military bases
- Non-stick cookware and food packaging
- Waterproof clothing and carpets
- Industrial manufacturing and waste
Why they’re called “forever chemicals”: They literally never break down. Once they get into water, soil, or your body, they stay there permanently.
The health concerns: Studies have linked PFAS exposure to cancer, liver problems, high cholesterol, decreased fertility, and developmental issues in children.
Your Water Might Be Affected No Matter Where You Live
The study found forever chemicals everywhere – from big cities to small rural towns, from the East Coast to the West Coast.
Areas with the highest contamination:
- Urban areas near industry or airports
- Great Lakes region
- Great Plains states
- Eastern Seaboard
- Central and Southern California
But here’s the thing: Even areas with “low” human impact still had contamination. Protected lands and rural areas without known PFAS sources still showed these chemicals in their water.
No safe haven: The study found that location doesn’t guarantee protection. Whether you live in a major city or rural farmland, your water could contain forever chemicals.
Private Wells Vs. Public Water: Both Are Affected
One of the most surprising findings: contamination levels were similar whether people got water from public systems or private wells.
Public water systems:
- Regulated by the EPA
- Required to test and treat for certain contaminants
- Still had significant PFAS contamination
Private wells:
- Not regulated by anyone
- Homeowners responsible for their own testing and treatment
- Had just as much contamination as public systems
What this means: Having your own well doesn’t protect you. Neither does trusting your municipal water company. The contamination is that widespread.
The Numbers That Should Worry You
The study tested for 32 different types of PFAS out of over 12,000 known forever chemicals. Even with this limited testing, the results were concerning.
Most commonly found forever chemicals:
- PFBS (detected most frequently)
- PFHxS (also very common)
- PFOA (the one linked to cancer)
Concentration levels: Ranged from barely detectable to 346 parts per trillion. For perspective, the EPA says ANY level of PFOA and PFOS is potentially harmful.
The reality check: Scientists only tested for 32 types of PFAS. There are over 12,000 different forever chemicals, so the actual contamination is likely much worse than what this study found.
What You Should Do Right Now
Don’t wait for your water company or the government to fix this problem. Here’s how to protect your family today:
Find out what’s in your water:
- Contact your water utility and ask for recent test results
- If you have a private well, get it tested independently
- Look up your area on the USGS interactive map of contamination
Consider water filtration:
- Reverse osmosis systems remove most PFAS chemicals
- High-quality activated carbon filters also help
- Pitcher filters with carbon can reduce some forever chemicals
Pay special attention if you:
- Are pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- Have young children (forever chemicals are especially harmful to developing kids)
- Live near airports, military bases, or industrial areas
- Use a private well (you’re entirely on your own for testing and treatment)
Why This Study Matters More Than Others
Previous water quality studies had major limitations. This USGS research broke new ground in several important ways:
Comprehensive scope: First study to compare public and private water supplies on a national scale.
Real-world testing: Collected water where people actually drink it – from kitchen taps, not treatment plants.
Geographic coverage: Included urban, rural, and protected areas across all regions of the country.
Scientific credibility: USGS describes itself as “unbiased and impartial” – they don’t have a political agenda, just the facts.
The Bigger Picture: This Problem Isn’t Going Away
Forever chemicals are permanent. Even if we stopped making them today (which we haven’t), they would stay in our water, environment, and bodies indefinitely.
Current efforts:
- EPA recently set drinking water limits for some PFAS
- 3M and other companies are paying billions in settlements
- Some states are setting their own stricter standards
The reality: Cleanup will take decades and cost hundreds of billions of dollars. In the meantime, these chemicals will keep contaminating our water supply.
Your blood is probably contaminated too: CDC studies show that nearly all Americans already have forever chemicals in their blood from years of exposure.
What Environmental Scientists Are Saying
Lead researcher Kelly Smalling said this study helps people “understand their risk of exposure” and makes clear that PFAS contamination is a nationwide problem affecting both regulated and unregulated water supplies.
The scientific consensus: Forever chemicals are one of the most serious environmental health threats we face. They’re everywhere, they’re permanent, and they’re linked to serious health problems.
The recommendation: Don’t wait for perfect government solutions. Take steps to protect your family now.
Bottom Line: Nearly Half of America’s Tap Water Contains Forever Chemicals
This landmark government study confirms what many scientists have suspected: PFAS contamination of drinking water is far more widespread than previously known. Whether you get water from a public system or private well, in a big city or small town, there’s nearly a 50% chance your tap water contains these toxic forever chemicals.
The truth: Decades of chemical manufacturing have permanently contaminated America’s water supply. Government cleanup efforts will help eventually, but they’re moving slowly and won’t protect families who are drinking these chemicals right now.
Your best protection: Test your water to know what you’re dealing with, and seriously consider filtration systems that can remove forever chemicals before they get into your family’s bodies.
This isn’t about fear – it’s about facts. Nearly half of American tap water contains chemicals that never break down and are linked to serious health problems. Knowing this helps you make informed decisions about protecting your family’s health.
Take Action Today
- Check the USGS interactive map – See if your area was tested and what they found
- Contact your water utility – Ask for specific PFAS test results
- Consider independent testing – Especially important for private well owners
- Research filtration options – Find systems that specifically remove PFAS
Sources: U.S. Geological Survey national tap water study, published July 2023 | Last Updated: June 24, 2025
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