PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of synthetic chemicals widely used in industrial processes and consumer products—including non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, and food packaging. They are also a common component in some firefighting foams. PFAS are often referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their ability to persist in the environment: PFAS have been detected in surface water, groundwater, drinking water, and soil throughout the United States. Exposure to PFAS may occur from drinking water, eating food, or breathing air containing PFAS. Current research indicates exposure to PFAS may result in adverse health effects, including changes to the immune system, high cholesterol and other effects on liver function, pregnancy complications, and increased risk for certain cancers.

Public water systems must test for PFAS under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) in order to meet federal regulations protecting human health. The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) oversees  public water systems to make sure they follow state and federal requirements. Private wells are not regulated in the same way as public water systems. Private well owners are not required to test for PFAS or other contaminants, so we know less about PFAS in private well water.

To learn more about PFAS in private well water, URI Water Quality Program staff will collect drinking water samples from homes in two Rhode Island communities. We will also collect samples from household septic systems to help us understand potential sources of PFAS exposure in the home. 

In coordination with the RIDOH, we selected the towns of Charlestown and Exeter to begin our sampling efforts. Both communities fall within a RIDOH Health Equity Zone and have documented PFAS detections in one or more public water systems within their municipal boundaries. Households located within a 1/2-mile radius of a public water system with a PFAS detection will be chosen to sample private wells and wastewater for PFAS at no cost to the homeowner. No public water system within our study area exceeded the current  Rhode Island Interim Drinking Water Standard of 20 parts per trillion (ppt). All samples will be analyzed by a state‑certified laboratory to determine the presence and concentration of PFAS, if detected. Participation in this University of Rhode Island Institutional Review Board–approved study is voluntary. Some funding is available to assist homeowners with treatment costs if private well results show PFAS levels above 20 ppt- the level at which public water systems are required to take action to lower the level of PFAS under state regulatory requirements.