PFAS in Pennsylvania

PFAS in Pennsylvania’s Drinking Water

Drinking water contamination by PFAS poses a serious public health concern. In Pennsylvania, many communities rely on rivers, streams, and wells for their tap water. When PFAS seep into these sources, they can affect everyone who depends on municipal or private water systems. I have observed increased attention on PFAS in drinking water in recent years, especially as new regulations and testing programs begin.

Key Contamination Sites

Several PFAS hotspots have emerged. Electronics manufacturing sites in urban corridors can discharge PFAS into wastewater outflows. In rural areas, combined sewage overflows and waste from oil and gas development have introduced PFAS into local streams. Firefighting foams used at airports and military bases have also resulted in notable contamination. When spills occur or firefighting foam is repeatedly used, PFAS can soak into groundwater, reach nearby municipal wells, and eventually show up in household taps.

Water System Testing and Statewide Advisories

The Pennsylvania DEP has played a central role in initiating water-system testing programs. On January 14, 2023, the DEP published a final-form rulemaking in the Pennsylvania Bulletin that set maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for PFOA at 14 parts per trillion (ppt) and PFOS at 18 ppt in drinking water. These figures were among the earliest state-level MCLs in the country.

However, in April 2024, the EPA released updated federal MCLs: 4.0 ppt for PFOA and PFOS, 10 ppt for PFNA, PFHxS, and HFPO-DA, plus a hazard index for certain PFAS mixtures. Because federal regulations supersede state rules, Pennsylvania water systems will need to comply with stricter limits by 2029. Systems serving more than 350 people began quarterly testing in 2024. Smaller systems will start in 2025. If an individual sample result exceeds the MCL, facilities can face Tier 2 public notice violations. This ongoing alignment between state and federal guidelines means many localities will need to invest in new filtration or other PFAS remediation technology.

Military Base and Airport PFAS Hotspots

Military bases in Bucks and Montgomery Counties have drawn considerable attention for PFAS contamination. Firefighting exercises routinely used aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), which contains PFAS compounds. Over time, the chemicals permeated soil and migrated into local groundwater. Airports also use such foams to handle emergency fires, adding more PFAS sources. Their proximity to residential neighborhoods underscores the risk of well contamination. The Pennsylvania Department of Health and other agencies have conducted blood tests on residents living near these military and airport sites, aiming to gather data on potential health impacts and to inform future regulations.

PFAS in Pennsylvania’s Soil and Agriculture

PFAS chemicals do not stop at water sources. Because they resist breakdown, they can accumulate in soil used for agriculture. Some farmland near industrial sites or wastewater treatment plants experiences higher PFAS levels if biosolids containing these chemicals have been used as fertilizer. Over time, crops may absorb trace amounts, and livestock might ingest PFAS through grazing, creating a possible route into the human food chain.

While there is limited statewide data on PFAS in produce or livestock, farmers and researchers remain cautious. The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has coordinated with state and federal partners to investigate fields with known PFAS contamination. Some local farm groups are advocating for better testing and more research. If testing reveals levels exceeding safety thresholds, affected farm products may require special handling or disposal.

Health Effects of PFAS Exposure

Scientists classify PFAS as “emerging contaminants” because not all health implications are fully understood. Yet research from the EPA, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), and academic institutions has identified probable links between PFAS exposure and chronic health conditions. Some potential effects include:

• Elevated cholesterol levels

• Disrupted thyroid function

• Developmental problems in infants

• Changes in liver enzymes

• Immune-system impacts

Protection efforts often focus on reducing or eliminating PFAS from drinking water, since ingestion is one of the most direct exposure pathways. PFAS can also enter the body through contaminated foods or consumer products. Although the human body can slowly eliminate PFAS over time, constant exposure coupled with high contamination levels can cause the chemicals to accumulate, raising concerns about long-term risks.

PFAS-Linked Diseases in Pennsylvania

Researchers continue to study the relationship between PFAS and certain diseases in communities across Pennsylvania. Although official consensus on causal links often requires extensive clinical and epidemiological data, increased incidence of certain conditions has prompted heightened investigation. I believe clear information about these potential risks benefits everyone.

Kidney Cancer

Several studies have identified a possible association between PFAS exposure and kidney cancer, particularly in areas where drinking water contained elevated PFOA or PFOS levels. One plausible explanation is that the kidneys actively filter these chemicals from the bloodstream, so the organ can sustain long-term contact with PFAS.

Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer has also been linked to PFAS exposure in multiple research efforts, including those conducted near industrial manufacturing plants. While no single factor alone typically causes testicular cancer, the presence of PFAS in blood serum is a suspected contributor. Researchers continue to monitor rates in PFAS-affected counties of Pennsylvania.

Thyroid Disease

The thyroid gland regulates metabolism and growth, making it especially vulnerable to endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Studies from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, in collaboration with other agencies, are following residents in PFAS hotspot regions to evaluate potential thyroid dysfunction. Early results highlight how certain PFAS forms may replicate or block normal hormone functions.

Liver Damage and Cholesterol Changes

PFAS have been linked to altered liver enzyme levels and possible liver damage. Cholesterol changes, particularly increases in LDL (“bad” cholesterol), also appear in some PFAS-exposed populations. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and other public-health bodies consider these findings significant enough to justify precautionary MCLs and more expansive testing to identify at-risk communities.

How Pennsylvania Is Responding to the PFAS Crisis

Pennsylvania’s response to PFAS contamination involves multiple state agencies, local offices, and partnerships with federal institutions. Funding for testing, remediation efforts, and public outreach has expanded in recent years. The goal is to address the immediate challenges of contaminated drinking water and farmland while laying groundwork for stronger, long-term environmental protections.

Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Actions

The DEP introduced its PFAS MCL Rule in January 2023 to regulate PFOA and PFOS in public drinking water. Through quarterly sampling windows, the DEP gathers data to ensure that water systems meet the newly established thresholds. The agency also collaborated with the U.S. Geological Survey to identify PFAS sources across the state and published guidelines for water treatment systems to reduce exposure.

DEP-led training sessions help water system operators understand how to detect PFAS and implement filtration technologies. In fall 2023, the department hosted classroom training and released a virtual course series to assist operators. These courses clarified compliance timelines, sampling protocols, and response procedures when PFAS levels exceed the MCLs.

Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) and PFAS Rulemaking

Pennsylvania set its initial MCLs for PFOA at 14 ppt and PFOS at 18 ppt, which took effect for large water systems in 2024. As noted earlier, the EPA’s April 2024 rulemaking placed even more stringent limits on PFOA and PFOS at 4.0 ppt, routine monitoring for five PFAS chemicals, and a hazard index approach for mixtures. Because states often follow federal guidelines, Pennsylvania anticipates that local systems will align with these more rigorous standards by 2029 to avoid federal compliance violations.

Community Health Initiatives and Site Remediation

Community outreach aims to inform Pennsylvanians about PFAS exposure risk factors, especially near historical contamination sites such as military bases or industrial complexes. The Pennsylvania Department of Health participates in the national PA PFAS Multi-site Health Study to examine conditions like autoimmune disorders, specific cancers, and thyroid disease in impacted areas.

In parallel, the Department of Environmental Protection and local water authorities fund remediation of highly contaminated wells. Common solutions involve installing granular activated carbon (GAC), ion exchange, or reverse-osmosis systems. These treatments effectively remove or reduce PFAS from water supplies, offering safer drinking water options to municipalities and private homeowners.

Can You Test Your Water or Soil for PFAS in Pennsylvania?

Yes. You can hire a state-accredited lab to test water samples from your home or private well. As of May 2025, only a few Pennsylvania-accredited labs can reliably conduct PFAS analyses. The cost typically ranges from USD 250 to USD 500 per sample, depending on whether you are testing water, soil, or other materials.

If results show PFAS above state or federal MCL thresholds, point-of-use or point-of-entry treatment devices can help reduce contamination. Smaller, at-home water filtration systems like activated carbon filters or reverse-osmosis units remove many PFAS chemicals when properly maintained. More comprehensive solutions, including whole-house systems, can protect all in-home water sources, though they require professional installation and broader upkeep.

Do You Qualify for a PFAS Lawsuit in Pennsylvania?

Many residents ask if they can pursue legal action for harm related to PFAS exposure, particularly when it involves contaminated drinking water or land that has lost value. The eligibility for a PFAS lawsuit depends on several factors:

1. The source of contamination: Are you located near an industrial plant, a landfill, an airport, or a former military base with known PFAS releases?

2. The type and extent of harm: Have you experienced a diagnosable health condition that scientific research links to PFAS?

3. Statute of limitations: Pennsylvania has specific timelines within which one must file a personal injury or property damage lawsuit.

We can connect you with legal experts who specialize in PFAS contamination cases. To learn more about these claims and how lawsuits might help cover medical bills or property damages, see the information available at Legal Claim Assistant’s PFAS Lawsuit Resource. If your water contamination issues originated from industrial dumping or firefighting foam, you can consult additional resources on water contamination lawsuits or review the DuPont lawsuit overview.

Why Choose Legal Claim Assistant

You might wonder how Legal Claim Assistant can help. When you need to find an attorney who focuses on PFAS litigation in Pennsylvania, I offer a straightforward path to a free case review. By using my service, you can:

• Identify law firms experienced in PFAS contamination claims

• Get guidance on gathering medical and environmental test results

• Learn about compensation potentially available for medical expenses and losses

• Have a no-obligation consultation to determine your legal options

I believe in offering a balanced, fact-forward framework that steers you toward reputable legal assistance. This way, you have the best chance of protecting your health and holding polluters accountable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

I often hear similar questions from concerned Pennsylvania residents. Below are concise answers to the most frequent PFAS inquiries in the state.