PFAS in Tennessee

PFAS in Tennessee’s drinking water

Clean, safe drinking water is essential, and local monitoring of PFAS in Tennessee’s water supplies continues to expand. I have observed a growing wave of public inquiries about how PFAS might enter municipal systems and private wells. According to the EPA, PFAS chemicals can persist in water sources for years. Because of that, Tennessee’s utilities, public health groups, and environmental agencies monitor PFAS levels to identify immediate risks and plan mitigation measures.

Affected communities and water utilities

Some water utilities conduct regular sampling to detect PFAS, especially PFOA and PFOS. Larger utilities with meaningful treatment infrastructure often have resources to remove these chemicals through advanced filtration processes. Smaller or rural communities may face challenges, lacking funding or technology for comprehensive PFAS removal. These localities sometimes apply for grant programs managed by the EPA or TDEC to upgrade their water systems.

In 2024, the EPA announced the final National Primary Drinking Water Regulation for six PFAS, setting legally enforceable Maximum Contaminant Levels, including 4.0 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOA and PFOS. By May 2025, the EPA decided to retain those MCLs for PFOA and PFOS and extend the compliance deadline from 2029 to 2031. Public water systems that exceed these limits must develop remediation strategies or face regulatory consequences.

From my perspective, the requirement to maintain these strict MCLs will likely prompt more systems to explore granular activated carbon or reverse osmosis treatments. While the cost can be high, it is important to reduce PFAS levels whenever they exceed federal health advisories or MCLs to protect family health.

Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) monitoring

TDEC tracks PFAS across many water bodies. Its statewide action plan for emerging contaminants includes specific testing protocols and partnerships with local utilities. Through periodic sampling, TDEC also identifies communities at higher risk due to industrial discharges or known hazards. Results are published on TDEC’s website to maintain transparency, helping residents like me see how local water supplies perform over time.

TDEC also disseminates educational materials to guide utilities and private well owners. These resources explain the sampling process, highlight the health implications of PFAS, and discuss potential treatments. Officials coordinate with health departments, the EPA, and private organizations to refine testing standards, analyze data consistently, and fund solutions.

Sources: AFFF firefighting foam, industrial waste, and landfills

One of the biggest culprits for PFAS contamination in drinking water is firefighting foam, known as AFFF. Airports, military bases, and fire training centers historically used AFFF because it effectively suppressed petroleum-based fires. However, these areas now often see PFAS plumes in the surrounding groundwater. Industrial waste can also release PFAS if a factory’s disposal methods fail to contain the chemicals properly.

Landfills represent another critical worry. When PFAS-laden items end up in landfills, leachate from decomposing trash can carry PFAS into nearby soil and groundwater. Some landfills are upgrading leachate treatment systems to filter out PFAS, but comprehensive solutions are still evolving. By better controlling these sources, Tennessee hopes to reduce new contamination in municipal water supplies.

PFAS in Tennessee’s soil and agriculture

Beyond water, PFAS in soil can be a concern for both crop farmers and backyard gardeners. PFAS can reach soil by way of industrial discharge, landfill runoff, or even biosolids used as fertilizer. Once in the soil, these chemicals may be absorbed by plants, potentially entering the food chain.

TDEC’s research shows that PFAS levels in local agricultural areas vary. In regions with heavy industrial activities, PFAS are more likely to show up in the soil. However, studies on whether PFAS significantly accumulate in produce are still emerging. I have read several accounts from farmers curious about testing options, especially if their land is near known PFAS sources.

The risk extends to livestock as well, with PFAS potentially entering feed or water supplies. Although the state has yet to see large-scale agricultural damage from PFAS, some experts continue to call for expanded sampling. They argue that thorough soil testing and collaboration between TDEC and the U.S. Department of Agriculture are necessary for any conclusive findings.

Health effects of PFAS exposure

According to the National Toxicology Program, certain PFAS, including PFOA and PFOS, can suppress antibody response and pose hazards to human immune function. The EPA cites additional potential health effects, ranging from developmental issues and low birthweight to thyroid disease, elevated cholesterol, and higher risk of kidney or testicular cancers. The fact that PFAS remain in the body for an extended period heightens these concerns.

Children often face more vulnerability because their developing bodies may be more sensitive to toxins. Infants and young children who consume formula prepared with contaminated water or who ingest PFAS through breastmilk could experience higher relative exposures. Health officials advise communities, particularly pregnant individuals and families with small children, to stay current on local PFAS advisories to minimize risk.

I have met residents in known PFAS-impacted areas who report mixed experiences. Some live near industrial sites but appear healthy, while others attribute recent diagnoses to possible PFAS exposure. Determining a definitive cause of illness can be challenging, especially if multiple risk factors exist. Nonetheless, the consistent message from scientists is that limiting PFAS intake remains prudent whenever possible, especially for those at higher risk.

PFAS-linked diseases in Tennessee

Researchers continue investigating PFAS-related diseases in various communities nationwide. In Tennessee, health officials attribute some localized concerns to PFAS from industrial plants or firefighting centers. Although official studies do not confirm definitive causal links for each disease, the correlations are strong enough that the EPA and TDEC consider PFAS exposure a public health priority.

Kidney cancer

Among the illnesses often linked to PFAS exposure is kidney cancer. According to peer-reviewed journals, high levels of PFOA sometimes correlate with an increased risk of renal cell carcinoma. Because PFAS can circulate for prolonged periods in the bloodstream, the kidneys are vulnerable since they filter blood and eliminate waste. While not every person exposed to PFAS will develop kidney cancer, communities with documented PFAS contamination are urged to watch for potential symptoms and consult healthcare providers regularly.

Testicular cancer

Testicular cancer is another concern, particularly in younger adult males. Animal studies suggest that certain PFAS may disrupt hormonal pathways. I have come across local reports indicating that men who worked around PFAS-laden firefighting foam or industrial materials expressed concern about higher testicular cancer rates. Although more data remain necessary to confirm a direct link, health agencies advise ongoing screening and awareness if there is known PFAS exposure.

Thyroid disease

PFAS’s ability to interfere with hormone regulation has led researchers to investigate thyroid disorders, such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Some studies, including those funded by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, noted shifts in thyroid hormone levels among those exposed to higher PFAS concentrations. These findings align with broader evidence that PFAS can disrupt endocrine function.

Liver damage and cholesterol changes

PFAS may also contribute to higher cholesterol, liver inflammation, or other metabolic irregularities. Studies examining the effects of PFOA and PFOS show evidence of elevated cholesterol levels in individuals with significant exposure. The chronic nature of PFAS contamination can mean that changes in cholesterol or markers of liver stress develop gradually over time, potentially leading to more serious conditions if left unchecked.

How Tennessee is responding to the PFAS crisis

In response to rising health and environmental concerns about PFAS, Tennessee officials have partnered with federal and local agencies to undertake sampling, fund research, and engage the public. My conversations with TDEC representatives indicate a commitment to transparency, data sharing, and a step-by-step approach to mitigating PFAS risks.

TDEC sampling and statewide action plan

TDEC leads most PFAS contamination investigations in Tennessee, focusing not just on water systems but also on potential industrial sites. Officials have developed a statewide action plan for emerging contaminants that details how agencies will test, evaluate, and respond to high PFAS levels. This plan calls for routine monitoring, data-driven decisions, and clear communication protocols in the event contamination is found in a public water supply or a private well.

TDEC’s sampling programs target municipal sources first, then move outward to wells and nearby agricultural fields. Preliminary findings go into TDEC’s public database, where residents like me can see if their county or city has recorded PFAS levels above recommended thresholds.

EPA coordination and grant programs

The EPA works alongside TDEC by providing technical guidance and grant opportunities. Some communities can apply for funding to upgrade water treatment infrastructure or offset costs for PFAS testing. In April 2024, the EPA finalized the National Primary Drinking Water Regulation for six PFAS, a move that many see as the first major federal enforcement standard specifically designed to curb PFAS in public water systems.

Although full compliance may not be required until 2031 for certain contaminants, TDEC encourages utilities to act now rather than wait. Grants or low-interest loans under the EPA’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund facilitate such early action. I have heard from city water managers who hope these resources will help them address PFAS more aggressively.

Community engagement and public health alerts

Local health departments partner with TDEC to hold public forums, distributing plain-language materials explaining PFAS risks and offering guidance on home filtration or bottled water if PFAS levels exceed recommended limits. Officials rely on citizen feedback to identify emerging contamination hotspots or to verify the success of ongoing remediation measures, such as new filtration systems.

The state also coordinates with organizations like the Clinical and Translational Science Institute at local universities. These partnerships help educate healthcare providers so they can better evaluate patients’ exposures and direct them to appropriate resources. As PFAS knowledge expands, TDEC expects to strengthen regulations, incorporate new technologies into water and soil testing, and keep communities informed each step of the way.

Can you test your water or soil for PFAS in Tennessee?

Yes. In Tennessee, if you rely on public water systems, you can check your utility’s annual water quality report to see if PFAS were detected. Public water systems are legally required to notify customers if PFAS levels exceed MCL guidelines. For private well owners or farmers who want to test their soil, accredited laboratories offer PFAS test kits specifically designed for water and soil samples.

If you suspect PFAS contamination, consider taking these steps:

1. Contact your local health department or TDEC for guidance on sampling.

2. Use certified laboratories that follow EPA testing methods.

3. Compare your results with federal and state advisory levels to evaluate risk.

I personally recommend that you keep a record of any testing results, as these may be crucial for medical follow-ups or possible legal actions. If your tests confirm higher-than-advisable PFAS levels, discuss potential filtration solutions with water professionals, and consider contacting TDEC to report the finding.

Do you qualify for a PFAS lawsuit in Tennessee?

Individuals who suspect that PFAS contamination has harmed their health, property, or livelihood may have grounds for a PFAS-related claim. Often, these claims target manufacturers or entities responsible for improper waste disposal that led to elevated PFAS in local water or soil. If you live near a known PFAS hotspot or if you have documented moderate to high levels in personal testing, you may want to consult an attorney about your options.

Some people experience medical costs, property damage, or lost income due to PFAS exposure. For instance, farmland contaminated with PFAS could lose market value if crops are deemed unsafe. Residents whose wells exceed federal PFAS limits might face expensive water filtration upgrades. In these scenarios, lawsuits or settlements can help people recoup expenses.

If you are unsure about your eligibility, a free case review can help evaluate the severity of your exposure and the strength of your legal claim. Additional information on water contamination lawsuits is available at Water Contamination Lawsuit.

Why choose Legal Claim Assistant

I have seen that PFAS litigation often requires specialized knowledge of environmental law, scientific evidence, and complex government regulations. Many law firms lack this specific expertise, making it difficult to navigate the extensive documentation and testing data involved.

Legal Claim Assistant has connections to attorneys proficient in PFAS-related cases. By assessing your situation, they can match you with legal professionals who understand the depth of PFAS contamination science, state and federal statutes, and the unique needs of Tennessee residents. These attorneys collaborate with medical experts, hydrologists, chemists, and other specialists, ensuring a comprehensive case strategy.

Moreover, Legal Claim Assistant offers a free case review. This review can clarify if your case meets the thresholds for legal action. If it does, you’ll be guided on filing procedures, strategies for gathering evidence, and potential legal pathways against either specific manufacturers or disposal facilities. For in-depth information, visit PFAS Lawsuit or learn about the DuPont Lawsuit as one example of high-profile PFAS litigation.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Many Tennesseans have pressing questions about potential exposure, water testing, and legal recourse. Below are some of the most common inquiries I hear about PFAS in Tennessee.