Report on PFAS Contamination in U.S. Drinking Water and its Impact on Sustainable Development Goals

1.0 Executive Summary

Recent data released by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) indicates a significant increase in the number of Americans exposed to drinking water contaminated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). This report analyzes these findings, focusing on their direct implications for achieving several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being). The widespread contamination underscores urgent challenges to public health, environmental sustainability, and responsible production patterns (SDG 12).

2.0 Background of the EPA Data

The findings originate from the EPA’s Fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 5), a program mandating U.S. water utilities to test for 29 specific PFAS compounds.

• Data Collection Period: January 2023 to December 2025.
• Final Publication: Expected in 2026.
• Source of Report: The ninth data release under UCMR 5, as analyzed by the Environmental Working Group (EWG).

3.0 Key Findings on Contamination Levels

The latest data reveals a worsening situation regarding water safety and public health, directly undermining progress toward key SDGs.

1. Increased Exposure: An additional 7 million people are now known to be drinking PFAS-contaminated water compared to the previous data release.
2. Expanded Contamination Zones: At least one type of PFAS compound was identified in 200 new locations.
3. Total Affected Population: Based on current and previous data, an estimated 172 million Americans are exposed to PFAS through their drinking water.

4.0 Implications for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The prevalence of PFAS contamination presents a direct threat to the achievement of multiple SDGs.

4.1 SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

The core objective of ensuring access to safe drinking water for all is fundamentally compromised.

• The data confirms that millions of Americans lack access to water free from hazardous chemicals, a direct contradiction of SDG Target 6.1.
• The persistence of “forever chemicals” in water systems highlights a failure in the sustainable management of water resources.

4.2 SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

The health risks associated with PFAS exposure are a significant public health challenge, impeding the goal of ensuring healthy lives.

• PFAS are classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
• Chronic exposure, even at low levels, is linked to severe health outcomes, including:
  • Cancer
  • Immune system dysfunction
  • Thyroid disease
  • Liver toxicity
  • Adverse developmental effects

4.3 SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

The contamination is a direct consequence of unsustainable production and consumption patterns.

• PFAS are widely used in industrial processes and consumer products due to their durability.
• The report highlights the need to phase out non-essential PFAS uses and manage chemical waste responsibly, in line with SDG Target 12.4.

5.0 Institutional Response and Expert Analysis

Governmental bodies and scientific experts acknowledge the scale of the problem and are formulating responses.

5.1 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Actions

• The EPA has acknowledged the prevalence of PFAS and is committed to monitoring and addressing contamination at its source.
• The agency is evaluating tools to reduce chemical discharges and limit the financial burden of treatment on water systems and ratepayers.
• New regulations are expected to be met by drinking water plants by 2031.

5.2 Expert Recommendations

• Continued Monitoring: Experts emphasize the necessity of continued testing to fully understand the scope of contamination and identify high-risk regions.
• Investment in Treatment: The use of technologies like granular activated carbon (GAC) is recommended to remove PFAS and other contaminants, providing a co-benefit for water quality.
• Public Advocacy: Experts call for public awareness and advocacy to ensure strong regulatory protections for drinking water are maintained and enforced.

6.0 Conclusion and Path Forward

The expanding scope of PFAS contamination in U.S. drinking water is a critical environmental and public health issue that directly obstructs progress on SDGs 3, 6, and 12. While monitoring has improved understanding of the problem, a comprehensive strategy is required to mitigate exposure and prevent further contamination.

1. Strengthen Regulation: Implement and enforce robust federal limits on PFAS in drinking water.
2. Promote Responsible Production: Accelerate the phase-out of non-essential PFAS in industrial and consumer products.
3. Invest in Infrastructure: Fund the upgrading of water treatment facilities with effective filtration technologies.
4. Enhance Public Awareness: Inform consumers about risks and available solutions, such as certified home water filters, to reduce immediate exposure.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

• The article extensively discusses the severe health risks associated with PFAS chemicals found in drinking water. It states that PFAS are classified as a “Group 1 carcinogen” and that long-term exposure “can cause cancer and other serious illnesses.” Experts quoted in the article link exposure to “immune dysfunction, thyroid disease, liver toxicity, and developmental effects,” directly connecting the issue of water contamination to human health and well-being.

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

• The central theme of the article is the contamination of drinking water, which is a core component of SDG 6. The EPA’s “Fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 5)” is a direct effort to assess the safety of drinking water. The finding that “7 million more Americans were drinking water contaminated with PFAS chemicals” highlights a failure to provide clean and safe water for a significant portion of the population.

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

• The article identifies the source of the problem as the widespread use of PFAS chemicals, also known as “forever chemicals,” which are “used across various industries, featuring in consumer products.” An expert’s call for a “rapid phase-out of non-essential PFAS uses” points to the need for more sustainable production patterns and better management of hazardous chemicals throughout their lifecycle, which is the focus of SDG 12.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Targets under SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

• Target 3.9: “By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination.” The article’s entire focus is on the health impact of hazardous chemicals (PFAS and arsenic) in drinking water. It explicitly mentions that exposure can lead to “cancer and other serious illnesses that decrease quality of life or result in death,” making this target directly relevant.

Targets under SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

• Target 6.1: “By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.” The report that “more than 172 million Americans are being exposed to PFAS-contaminated drinking water” demonstrates a significant gap in achieving safe drinking water for all, directly relating to this target.
• Target 6.3: “By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials…” The presence of PFAS in water systems is a direct result of pollution and the release of hazardous chemicals. The EPA’s actions and the discussion around the need for “investment in water treatment” are efforts aimed at improving water quality as described in this target.

Targets under SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

• Target 12.4: “By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle… and significantly reduce their release to air, water and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment.” The article highlights the persistence of PFAS (“forever chemicals”) and their widespread use. The EPA’s commitment to “addressing PFAS at its source” and evaluating tools to “reduce discharges” aligns with the goal of managing chemicals to minimize their impact on human health and the environment.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Indicators for SDG 3 & 6

• Number of people exposed to contaminated drinking water: The article provides specific numbers, such as “7 million more Americans” and a total of “more than 172 million Americans” exposed to PFAS. This serves as a direct indicator of the population not using safely managed drinking water services (relevant to Indicator 6.1.1) and the population at risk of illnesses from water contamination (relevant to Target 3.9).
• Number of contaminated locations: The data revealed the presence of PFAS “in an additional 200 locations.” This metric can be used to track the geographic spread of contamination and measure the proportion of water bodies with poor quality (relevant to Indicator 6.3.2).
• Concentration levels of contaminants: Although the article notes it’s “not clear to what degree these additional water utilities were contaminated,” it highlights the importance of understanding “at what amounts they are occurring in drinking water.” This implies that measuring the concentration levels (e.g., parts-per-trillion) is a critical indicator for assessing health risks and water safety.

Indicators for SDG 12

• Regulatory and monitoring actions: The EPA’s “Fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 5)” itself is an indicator of governmental action towards the sound management of chemicals. The article mentions the rule requires testing for “29 individual PFAS compounds,” and the EPA has announced a “suite of actions to address PFAS.” These regulatory efforts serve as qualitative indicators of progress towards Target 12.4.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: newsweek.com