Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) are a group of synthetic chemicals that have been widely used in various industries due to their unique properties. However, studies have shown that these compounds can contaminate drinking water and pose potential health risks.

One type of PFC is perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). PFAS are widely used in firefighting foam, non-stick coatings, and other products. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has identified several PFAS as contaminants of concern, including:

1. Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxS)
2. 9-chlorohexadecafluoro-3-oxanone-1-sulfonic acid (9Cl-PF3ONS)
3. Hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO–DA) (GenX)
4. Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA)
5. Nonafluoro-3,6-dioxaheptanoic acid (NFDHA)
6. Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS)
7. Perfluoro (2-ethoxyethane) sulfonic acid (PFEESA)
8. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)
9. Perfluoro-3-methoxypropanoic acid (PFMPA)
10. Perfluoropentanesulfonic acid (PFPeS)
11. Perfluoro-4-methoxybutanoic acid (PFMBA)
12. Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS)
13. Perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnA)

These PFAS can contaminate drinking water through various sources, including:

1. Industrial activities
2. Firefighting foam
3. Non-stick coatings and products
4. Wastewater treatment plants

The EPA has established a testing program called the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR) to detect PFAS in drinking water. The UCMR requires public water systems serving more than 3,300 people to test their water for these contaminants.

What do the test results mean?

The test results provide valuable information about the presence and levels of PFAS in drinking water. This data helps the EPA determine whether certain contaminants are present at unacceptable levels and inform decisions about regulating these chemicals.

What happens after UCMR testing?

If PFAS are detected at levels above acceptable limits, the EPA may conduct an evaluation to determine whether to begin regulating some or all of these compounds. Public water systems will also take steps to address contamination by installing treatment technologies or implementing other measures to reduce exposure., perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) are a group of synthetic chemicals that can contaminate drinking water and pose potential health risks. The EPA has established testing programs to detect these contaminants and inform decisions about regulating them.