Forever Chemicals

PFAS in U.S. Drinking Water

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances have been detected in drinking water across every U.S. state. Federal limits took effect in 2024. Here's the data behind every address.

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176M

Americans with PFAS-detected drinking water

EPA estimate

PFAS compounds monitored under UCMR 5

EPA UCMR 5

4 ppt

Federal MCL for PFOA and PFOS (2024)

EPA MCL rule

700+

Military installations with confirmed PFAS releases

DoD annual report

What PFAS Are

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of about 12,000 synthetic chemicals used since the 1940s in products like non-stick cookware, water-resistant clothing, firefighting foams, and food packaging. They don't break down in the environment or in the human body — which is why they're called “forever chemicals.”

The most studied compounds — PFOA and PFOS — were phased out by major manufacturers in the early 2000s, but they persist in soil and groundwater. They continue to leach into drinking water supplies near former industrial sites, military bases, and agricultural land treated with PFAS-contaminated biosolids.

The 2024 Federal Limit

In April 2024, EPA finalized the first-ever federal Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for PFAS in drinking water. PFOA and PFOS are now regulated at 4 parts per trillion — close to the detection limit of modern laboratory equipment.

Water utilities have until 2029 to comply. That means some systems are currently serving water above the legal limit while building treatment infrastructure. Utilities above the MCL must notify customers but are not yet required to have fixed the problem.

Full PFAS homebuyer guide →

Three Federal Datasets Behind Every Address Check

EPA UCMR 5

Drinking Water Detections

Results from EPA's 5th Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule — 29 PFAS compounds tested at public water systems serving 3,300+ people, 2021–2024.

EPA TRI

Industrial PFAS Sources

Facilities that manufacture, process, or use PFAS above threshold quantities, per EPA's Toxics Release Inventory. Searched within 5 miles of any address.

DoD Report

Military Installations

Department of Defense annual PFAS installation status report. Over 700 military sites with confirmed or suspected PFAS releases — a major groundwater contamination source.

PFAS Data by State

Select a state to see EPA PFAS detection data, military installation counts, and industrial sources.

Check Any U.S. Address in 30 Seconds

VetMyAddress checks PFAS drinking water records, nearby military installations, and industrial sources for any address — alongside flood, air quality, and Superfund data.

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