PFAS in the Environment

PFAS are a group of chemicals made of perfluorinated and polyfluorinated alkyl substances. There are over 6,000 chemicals in the group. These chemicals have fluorine and carbon atoms bonded strongly together and are often used in products made to resist heat, grease, stains and friction.

PFAS in the environment persistent - they’re known as forever chemicals. PFAS can be found in soil, air and water, and are present in homes and workplaces.

COG works closely with area water utilities to track and mitigate the impact of pollutants, including PFAS, in our water supply. COG is also supporting members to determine the local impacts of the April 10, 2024 EPA ruling of a first-ever national, legally enforceable drinking water standard for PFAS, which includes a nearly $1 billion commitment through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help states and territories implement PFAS testing and treatment at public water systems and to help owners of private wells address PFAS contamination. 

Sections of this page:

• PFAS FAQ
• Local Resources on PFAS
• PFAS 101 Infographic

PFAS 101: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

PFAS are a class of over 6,000 chemicals, in use for more than 50 years. Teflon is a common PFAS. PFAS are in industrial and home products made to resist heat, grease, stains and friction.

PFAS do not break down or go away in the environment. One or more PFAS is found in the blood of most Americans, at low levels. However, this does not mean they will cause a health problem. Exposure to humans can occur by eating, inhaling, or even touching the product. Luckily, they have not been detected in our local drinking water.

The main sources of PFAS water contamination are industries that make or use PFAS in their products, and military bases and airfields that have conducted fire-fighting training. The PFAS gets into wastewater and stormwater and runs off into streams, rivers or groundwater.

Washington metropolitan area water utilities tested drinking water for several PFAS starting in 2014. PFAS have been detected in drinking water from utilities taking water from the Potomac River and the Occoquan Reservoir. Water utilities continue to voluntarily monitor for PFAS in the drinking water and look for potential PFAS contamination sites.

Read labels and try to avoid using products with PFAS, like some non-stick pans, paints, degreasers, and fire-fighting foams, as well as consumer products like water-proof clothing, certain cosmetics, stain-resistant upholstery and carpet, and food packaging. Stay away from products with ingredients that list PTFE or perfluoro- or polyfluor- anything. Support efforts to protect drinking water sources from PFAS.

Local Resources on PFAS

City of Bowie
DC Water
Fairfax Water 
Frederick County
Loudoun Water 
Prince William County Service Authority
PFAS in the Potomac River Basin
Virginia American Water (City of Alexandria)
WSSC

PFAS: What to know about "forever chemicals"

Download a .PDF of this graphic