Why is PFOA and PFOS in the water supply?

  • Posted on May 12, 2022

PFOA and PFOS are pervasive and come from a wide range of sources. They can be found in drinking water supplies as a result of industrial releases or use of firefighting foam, but are also used in a wide range of products, from food packaging to stain-resistant furniture to cosmetics. Our exposure comes from multiple sources and routes.

These chemicals can enter the environment directly from landfills where products such as carpets and textiles break down and leach into the air, soil and water. PFOA and PFOS have also been found in a number of plants and animals. With their resiliency and mobility—they are not known to break down in the environment and they move through soil to drinking water.

Veolia is continuing to investigate the sources of PFOA and PFOS in its water systems.