PFAS Contamination of Water: Department of Health

Frequently Asked Questions about PFAS Contamination of Water

For more information about per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) generally, please visit the About PFAS web page.

Yes, the Rhode Island PFAS in Drinking Water, Groundwater, and Surface Waters Act requires public water systems in Rhode Island to regularly sample for per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS). The law also set an interim standard for PFAS in drinking water of 20 parts per trillion (ppt) for a total of six PFAS chemicals. Public water systems were required to take PFAS samples by July 1, 2023. Public water systems that exceed the interim standard are required to enter into a consent agreement with RIDOH within 180 days and take action to lower the level of PFAS.

The six PFAS chemicals regulated in Rhode Island are perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), and perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA), and perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA).

How will monitoring for PFAS in drinking water be done in the future?

The PFAS sampling results are used to determine how often a public water system must monitor for PFAS in the future. If the results show no detections of PFAS, the public water system will monitor for PFAS every two years. If the results show PFAS at or below the 20 ppt interim standard for drinking water, the water system will monitor for PFAS each year. If the results show PFAS exceeds the 20 ppt interim standard, the water system will monitor for PFAS quarterly (once every three months).

How do I know if there is PFAS in my drinking water?

If your water is supplied by a public water system, you can ask your public water system or visit health.ri.gov/data/pfas to see the results of the initial sampling that was required for all public water systems by July 1, 2023. If you have a private well, RIDOH's Private Well Program can provide additional guidance on testing well water for PFAS.

Water systems with PFAS levels greater than 20 ppt contact their consumers directly. Public water systems are required to send do not drink notices to consumers when water sample results show PFAS at greater than 70 ppt. Ongoing do not drink notices can be found online here.

In addition to regular monitoring, what actions do public water systems take if PFAS is found in the water?

Public water systems with PFAS levels above 20 ppt are required to take additional action to lower their level of PFAS. There are continuous treatment processes that can lower or remove PFAS from drinking water. These public water systems will be required to enter into consent agreements with RIDOH within 180 days of being notified of their exceedance. RIDOH uses consent agreements to document a system’s plan of action to come into compliance by an achievable deadline.

Public water systems with PFAS levels at 20 ppt or greater will be required to do public notifications. Additionally, due to the potential for increased risk of impact to human health, RIDOH will also require that public water systems with PFAS sample results higher than 70 ppt issue a do not drink notice within 24 hours with guidance to all consumers of the water. RIDOH will also post notice of all do not drink orders on its website.

Should I test my private well for PFAS?

People who are concerned about PFAS can have their water tested. Sampling for PFAS can be more challenging than sampling for other routine water tests. RIDOH's Private Well Program can provide additional guidance on testing well water for PFAS.

Is PFAS bad for my health?

When people are exposed, PFAS can build up in the body. The amount of PFAS in the body can increase to the point where it can harm health. Studies have shown certain PFAS can cause negative health effects, including higher cholesterol levels, lower infant birth weights, weakened immune response, and increased risk of some cancers, including kidney cancer.

Infants and young children with developing immune systems; people who are breastfeeding, pregnant, or who may become pregnant; and people with weakened immune systems are particularly at risk.

Please see RIDOH's PFAS Health Effects Factsheet and general PFAS webpage for more information.

Is drinking water that shows results above 20 ppt safe?

If a public water system’s PFAS test results are 70 ppt or more, the system must advise people not to drink the water. When PFAS levels are lower than 70 ppt, there is no requirement for a do not drink notice. However, water with PFAS levels greater than 20 ppt is above Rhode Island’s state standard. For this reason, public water systems with results greater than 20 ppt must work to lower the PFAS in their water. While this work is being done by systems with results greater than 20 ppt, there are steps people can take to limit their exposure to PFAS in drinking water (see below).

What steps should I take if PFAS have been detected in my drinking water?

If you are a private well owner, you should contact RIDOH's Private Well Program for expert guidance before you make any decisions about treatment.

For people whose water is supplied by public water systems, follow the instructions provided by your public water system. There are steps people can take to minimize their exposure to PFAS in drinking water while public water systems make improvements.

It is important for everyone to know the following information:

Water with PFAS of 70 ppt or greater should not be consumed.
Whenever possible, water with very low levels of PFAS should be used for drinking, preparing food, cooking, brushing teeth, and any activity that might result in swallowing water.
Boiling water for drinking will not reduce PFAS exposures. It will concentrate (increase the level of) these chemicals in the boiled water.
Bottled water is not required by the Food and Drug Administration to be tested for PFAS, but many do. Many bottled water companies use treatment that removes PFAS. Contact bottled water manufacturers to ask about PFAS results in bottled water prior to using bottled water to replace drinking water with high PFAS levels.

RIDOH also recommends taking the following steps to minimize PFAS exposures from other sources:

Avoid grease-resistant food packaging, such as microwave popcorn bags.
Avoid products such as stain-resistant carpet and waterproof clothing. When possible, avoid purchasing products advertised as water, grease, and stain-resistant.

How can I get rid of PFAS in my water?

RIDOH is actively working with public water systems to lower PFAS exposure through drinking water. People who are concerned about PFAS can add water treatment in their home. Make sure the treatment is certified by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) to remove PFAS. The treatment will need to be maintained frequently by you or a professional. If you do not properly maintain the filter, the levels of PFAS in your drinking water can go up. Information for consumers can be found online.

Is it OK to use water that contains PFAS for making infant formula?

If PFAS are detected, parents of formula-fed infants may consider using a formula that does not require adding water or finding an alternative source of water that has been tested for PFAS. People who are willing and able to breastfeed infants should continue to do so.

It is important to know that while breastmilk can expose infants and newborns to PFAS, the health benefits of breastfeeding for children are greater than the risks from PFAS exposure. If you have any concerns about breastfeeding, you should talk to your healthcare provider.

Is it OK to use water that contains PFAS for cooking?

Whenever possible, water with very low levels of PFAS should be used for drinking, preparing food, cooking, brushing teeth, and any activity that might result in swallowing water. Public water system testing results for PFAS can help you decide if itis ok to use drinking water from public water systems for cooking food.

Is it OK to shower, bathe, or swim?

Routine showering, bathing, and swimming are not a major source of exposure to PFAS. If PFAS are detected, you may consider shorter showers or baths, especially for children who may swallow water while playing in the bath, as a precaution.

Can I do laundry and wash my dishes?

Doing laundry and washing dishes are also not a major source of exposure to PFAS.

Is it safe to use a humidifier?

If you use a humidifier, use only use water from a safe source.

Is it OK to give my pets the water?

People who are concerned about their pets being exposed to PFAS may choose to use alternate water as a precaution. Pet owners may also choose to consult a veterinarian about any concerns.

What is EPA doing about PFAS in drinking water?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is working to establish national regulations for PFAS in drinking water. In March 2023, EPA proposed regulations for six PFAS including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA, commonly known as GenX Chemicals), perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), and perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS). The proposed EPA regulation does not require any actions until it is finalized. EPA anticipates finalizing the regulation by the end of 2023.

Can I use the water in my fruit and vegetable gardens?

The risk of PFAS exposure from occasionally consuming produce that was irrigated with water that contained PFAS is likely to be low. For those who grow a large amount of the produce that they consume, consider doing the following to reduce PFAS exposure:

Use rainwater or water treated for PFAS in the garden.
Wash produce in clean water before consuming.
Use compost that is rich in organic matter to fertilize the garden. This type of compost has been reported to mitigate the uptake of PFAS by plants.
Plant raised beds with clean soil.

Frequently Asked Questions about PFAS Contamination of Water

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