Water Sector News
A snapshot of clean water stories from publications around the country, updated daily!
What is PFAS and why does it concern me?
https://thelocalreporter.press/what-is-pfas-and-why-does-it-concern-me/
TLR reported last week that Orange Water and Sewer Authority (OWASA) plans to increase monthly rates by $12.32 starting Oct. 1. More than half of the increase would be spent removing toxic “forever chemicals” from the local water supply. What are “forever chemicals,” and why should we be concerned about them?
Manufacturers have used per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) since the 1950s. PFAS makes clothes stain-resistant, creates nonstick cookware, and improves the power of firefighting foam. Unfortunately, PFAS molecules are long, durable chains of carbon and fluorine that don’t degrade easily and accumulate in human and animal bodies. PFAS have been linked to cancer, developmental damage in children, and harm to the human liver and heart.