Have you ever wondered what chemicals are in your town’s drinking water? Unfortunately, some Greater Cincinnati residents may not like the answer.
USA TODAY published a map of public drinking water systems that recently submitted test results for forever chemicals to the Environmental Protection Agency. Greater Cincinnati’s amusement park, Kings Island, and another town were found to have chemicals “well over” the federally dictated levels.
Here’s what to know.
What are forever chemicals?
PFAS, also known as forever chemicals, are defined by the EPA as long-lasting chemicals with components that break down very slowly over time.
Due to the widespread use of these chemicals, they are found virtually everywhere, such as in our water, air, soil, fish, food, personal care products and even human blood (in varying levels). Scientific studies have also shown that exposure to some of these chemicals may be linked to harmful health effects in humans and animals.
To combat this, the EPA established legally enforceable levels in 2024 for six PFAS in public drinking water. Public water systems must monitor for these chemicals and take action to reduce the levels of these chemicals if they violate the EPA’s standards. They must also provide notification to the public of the violation.
Can PFAS be filtered out of water?
Not all filters reduce PFAS in water, so you should look for a filter that is specifically certified to do so, according to the EPA.
The agency recommends using the following types of water filters:
PFAS detected in Greater Cincinnati
While PFAS have been detected in Ohio and Greater Cincinnati, they have mostly been detected at lower levels. The following water systems were found to have forever chemical levels over the EPA limit:
Are forever chemicals in your water? Check map
USA TODAY staff contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Forever chemicals present in Greater Cincinnati water, EPA data shows. See where here
Reporting by Kaycee Sloan and Hannah Hudnall, Cincinnati Enquirer / Cincinnati Enquirer
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
