PFAS in Pike & Wayne County, PA Water
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances contaminate water supplies throughout Pennsylvania. Effective reverse osmosis or carbon systems eliminate them.
PFAS are a group of synthetic chemicals, numbering in the thousands, used in consumer products such as non-stick cookware, water-repellent fabrics, firefighting foam, and food packaging. These chemicals persist in the environment indefinitely, earning them the label 'forever chemicals.' In 2024, the EPA established final maximum contaminant levels for six PFAS compounds. Groundwater in both Pike County and Wayne County, much of which derives from the Catskill Formation bedrock, can be susceptible to these contaminants.
Health Effects of PFAS
Exposure to PFAS has been correlated with various health issues. These include specific cancers, immune system impairment, hormonal disruption, and developmental problems in children. The EPA has set Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for PFOA and PFOS at 4 parts per trillion. While municipal water supplies in boroughs like Honesdale and Milford are regularly tested, private wells throughout Pike and Wayne County require individual testing for PFAS detection.
PFAS Removal Solutions
- Reverse Osmosis (RO): This method is highly effective, primarily for point-of-use drinking water applications.
- Granular Activated Carbon (GAC): This whole-home filtration option can reduce PFAS levels throughout the entire water system.
- Ion Exchange Resins: These specialized resins are designed for targeted PFAS treatment.