PFAS in Texas

PFAS in Texas Drinking Water

Drinking water remains one of the most critical pathways for PFAS exposure. When PFAS contaminants enter the water supply, they can migrate efficiently and reach large populations. In Texas, tests have shown that some public water systems already exceed new EPA limits for certain PFAS chemicals. These findings have led to growing public pressure for stricter monitoring and prompt remediation.

Affected Regions and Municipalities

Recent data submitted to the EPA indicate that 49 public water utility systems across Texas have reported surpassing the EPA’s new limits for five “forever chemicals.” Fort Worth’s water system, serving roughly 1.3 million people, recorded PFHxS concentrations ranging from 12.2 to 25.8 parts per trillion, well above the federal limit of 10 parts per trillion specified by the EPA. While the identified exceedances are spread across the state, highly urbanized and industrialized areas tend to show elevated PFAS levels more frequently.

For context, the American Water Works Association estimates that reducing PFAS like PFOA and PFOS to meet federal standards could cost U.S. utilities more than 3.8 billion USD per year. Even smaller municipalities in Texas face significant expenses to upgrade their water treatment facilities or to source water from alternative, PFAS-free locations.

Testing Efforts and Advisory Levels

Under new EPA rules, large public water systems must conduct thorough PFAS testing within three years. The goal is to measure contaminants in influent, effluent, and sewage sludge. Results can guide authorities in deciding whether water systems need advanced filtration, such as activated carbon, reverse osmosis, or ion exchange. These treatments often remove PFAS but can strain local budgets.

In March 2023, the EPA also set legally enforceable limits for PFOA and PFOS at 4 parts per trillion, and for PFHxS, PFNA, and HFPO-DA at 10 parts per trillion. Water utilities that fail to meet these standards after five years may face penalties and must develop remediation strategies to protect public health.

Ongoing Contamination from AFFF Firefighting Foam

AFFF firefighting foam is one of the most cited sources of PFAS contamination. Firefighters and facility managers have used this foam for decades to extinguish petroleum-based fires. While acknowledged as highly effective, AFFF can seep into nearby water sources if spills or runoff are not contained. In Texas, this issue arises in and around airfields, refineries, and military installations. The EPA’s Publicly Owned Treatment Works Influent PFAS Study is gathering data on how AFFF and other industrial discharges affect local wastewater facilities.

Because AFFF usage has spanned many years, historical contamination can linger even if a site no longer actively uses these products. I have seen many communities sent scrambling to test for and remediate PFAS in private wells that sit near old training or crash sites. This typically entails advanced filtration systems in homes and stricter regulation of industrial sites that still store or use firefighting foam.

PFAS in Texas Soil and Agriculture

PFAS do not only threaten water supplies. They can also accumulate in soil, which in turn affects crops, livestock, and eventually the human food chain. In many parts of Texas, agriculture drives local economies, and farmers must remain vigilant about potential contamination. Areas prone to wastewater runoff or historical usage of AFFF face higher soil-PFAS levels. Some producers have considered switching to new land-management practices that minimize PFAS transfers from soil to plants and livestock.

Although research into PFAS uptake by crops is ongoing, early findings suggest that plants can absorb these chemicals at varying levels. When that occurs, exposures can continue even after water systems have been filtered. Regions with PFAS-impacted soil often call on state agencies like TCEQ to conduct robust testing so farmers have reliable information when making land-use decisions.

Health Effects of PFAS Exposure

Health risks linked to PFAS include cancer, fertility issues, high cholesterol, and compromised immune responses. In 2022, the EPA issued health advisories touching on these potential impacts. PFAS exposure can happen through multiple pathways: drinking water, eating contaminated produce, inhaling air near industrial operations, or using consumer products manufactured with PFAS.

The U.S. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry found that PFAS levels can build up over time, leading to more pronounced effects as individuals age or encounter multiple sources of contamination. Some workers, specifically firefighters and ski wax technicians, face high levels of on-the-job exposure. Children and pregnant individuals may be at heightened risk, since PFAS can affect development and lead to low birth weights. Research is ongoing to clarify these links and understand potential long-term effects on entire communities.

PFAS-Linked Diseases in Texas

In Texas, certain diseases have gained attention because they appear more frequently in populations heavily exposed to PFAS. While research on causation is ongoing, multiple studies suggest these chemicals may be risk factors for kidney cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid disease, and liver-related ailments. Below is a closer look at each concern.

Kidney Cancer

Kidney cancer risk has been associated with PFAS for nearly a decade. Laboratory and epidemiological studies show that accumulations of PFOA and PFOS in the body can lead to kidney cell damage. In Texas, the concern is that chronic exposure via drinking water, soil, or contaminated food might compound an individual’s lifelong risk. The American Cancer Society urges additional screening and emphasizes that anyone with known PFAS exposure, along with other risk factors, repeatedly consult healthcare providers about potential symptoms.

Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer is another area under scrutiny. Several epidemiological studies document higher rates of the disease in communities near PFAS manufacturing or disposal sites. In Lubbock County, for instance, PFHxS and PFOA were detected in participants’ blood at levels higher than the national average, leading researchers to question whether specific cancers might have increased over time. While not every PFAS-exposed individual develops cancer, monitoring trends is crucial for early detection.

Thyroid Disease

Thyroid disorders, including hypothyroidism, can be linked to PFAS because of how these chemicals interact with the endocrine system. Texas residents in certain industrial hubs have reported thyroid disease that healthcare providers are tracking alongside PFAS data. Symptoms such as unexplained weight fluctuation or changes in metabolism can prompt doctors to test for thyroid problems. If results reveal a link, public health officials typically champion more vigorous testing of local water and soil to halt further exposure.

Liver Damage and Cholesterol Changes

Liver toxicity and elevated cholesterol are among the more widely recognized problems linked to PFAS. According to the National Institutes of Health, chronic exposure can inflame the liver and disrupt normal metabolic pathways. In Texas communities with known contamination, individuals might experience persistent fatigue, abdominal discomfort, or elevated cholesterol that resists standard treatments. These warning signs often prompt more comprehensive medical evaluations and might point back to PFAS as a contributing factor.

How Texas Is Responding to PFAS Contamination

State and federal agencies in Texas recognize the urgency of PFAS contamination. Still, the path toward comprehensive regulation involves a range of stakeholders, including the EPA, TCEQ, local governments, and water utilities. The complexity of PFAS—over 12,000 chemicals in the group—makes regulation and remediation a long-term challenge.

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) Actions

TCEQ has ramped up testing of public water supplies and has begun advising municipalities on treatment options. Beyond water quality standards, officials also explore soil testing in places where industrial or firefighting foam usage is widespread. TCEQ’s broader initiatives often rely on voluntary compliance from local industries, but the agency can enforce cleanup under Texas state law if a site poses imminent public health threats.

At the moment, TCEQ is collaborating with federal partners to ensure new Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) regulations for PFAS are harmonized in Texas. While the EPA is expected to fully implement its rules in the next few years, TCEQ is also addressing site-specific cleanups, aiming to reduce PFAS levels in particularly vulnerable or historically neglected areas.

Collaboration with the EPA

Texas stands to benefit from nationwide studies and regulatory frameworks, such as the EPA’s Publicly Owned Treatment Works Influent PFAS Study. Under this plan, large wastewater treatment facilities complete questionnaires and collect samples of influent, effluent, and sludge. These data points allow the EPA to map industrial PFAS discharges. It also sets the groundwork for mandated PFAS disposal measures, monitoring requirements, and user restrictions in 2025.

In addition, Texas water systems must meet new federal PFAS limits within five years. This synchronization means local utilities need to invest in technologies—like nanofiltration or granular activated carbon—that can effectively remove PFAS. However, installing such systems comes at significant financial cost, raising concerns that some smaller municipalities or rural areas might struggle to comply.

Challenges in Rural and Private Water Systems

Rural communities face unique hurdles. Private wells often serve as the primary water source, but rural areas do not always have the funding or expertise to perform rigorous PFAS testing. Residents might not even know they should test for PFAS until someone experiences a health complication. Meanwhile, local health departments can be limited in resources and staff.

Past examples include Lubbock County, where PFAS contamination in private wells prompted the U.S. Air Force to install whole-house treatment systems. This scenario illustrates that localized efforts can succeed—but only after issues surface through community reports or targeted studies. Going forward, I see a pressing need for broader outreach, so residents across Texas understand when and how to test for potential contamination.

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

If you worry your water or soil might contain PFAS, several testing options exist. Homeowners can hire state-certified laboratories to analyze well water or garden soil. The EPA suggests using methods specifically validated for PFAS detection, as standard tests may not accurately measure contamination at the parts-per-trillion level. You can often find reputable labs by contacting TCEQ or checking the EPA’s recommended list of certified facilities.

For added peace of mind, some homeowners install water filters designed to remove PFAS. Filters that use activated carbon or reverse osmosis typically work well, but you should confirm that your filter is certified to remove PFAS. If your tests confirm high PFAS levels, you might consider bottled or alternative water sources until a permanent solution is in place. This can help reduce your exposure and lower potential health risks.

Do You Qualify for a PFAS Lawsuit in Texas?

If you believe that PFAS in your drinking water or soil has harmed you, you may wish to seek legal advice. PFAS-related lawsuits often revolve around product liability, contamination negligence, and failure to warn communities of chemical risks. Many states, Texas included, have launched lawsuits against manufacturers or major polluters for widespread PFAS contamination. As of December 2024, the Attorneys General of 30 states and DC have initiated litigation against PFAS manufacturers.

Whether you qualify for a PFAS lawsuit depends on factors like where you live, how you were exposed, and whether you’ve suffered any medical effects tied to PFAS. Employers who expose workers to PFAS without adequate protective measures might also be liable under Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rules. Because these cases can involve complex scientific and legal arguments, consulting a professional to evaluate your circumstances is recommended.

Why Choose Legal Claim Assistant

I have found that navigating PFAS litigation can be daunting, especially when large chemical manufacturers or multiple government agencies are involved. This is where Legal Claim Assistant can help. Their platform connects you with law firms experienced in PFAS cases, so you can explore free case reviews without worrying about finding qualified counsel on your own. It is an approach that prioritizes timely connections and clear communication.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Below, I address some of the most common questions about PFAS in Texas. These responses are meant to be concise and fact-driven, drawing from state and federal sources. You should speak with healthcare or legal professionals to get guidance specific to your situation.