The Ohio River, a vital water source for Louisville, Kentucky, flows with billions of gallons each day. This river supplies water that the Louisville Water Company treats and delivers to residents.
From water temperature to heavy metals, a team of specialists tests the water daily. They focus on ensuring safety and taste. Uniquely, they also check for PFAS—chemicals found in many products, from nonstick pans to firefighting foam. Research indicates these toxins may lead to serious health issues, including cancer and developmental delays in children.
PFAS, often called “forever chemicals,” resist breaking down in the environment. They persist in water and soil, even entering the bloodstream of many Americans. Recently, technicians noticed an unexpected rise in one type, known as GenX, in samples drawn from the river. Last December, GenX levels soared to 52 parts per trillion—15 times higher than the month before. To put this into perspective, a part per trillion is like one second in over 32,000 years.
Peter Goodmann, the director of water quality for the utility, emphasizes that even these elevated levels remain low and not necessarily worrisome for public health. The concern revolves around long-term exposure. He also notes that many PFAS contaminants come from everyday items like food packaging rather than just tap water.
Investigating the spike, Goodmann’s team traced the chemical upstream to a Chemours factory in West Virginia. This facility has a notorious history of PFAS pollution, as revealed in a lawsuit by environmental lawyer Robert Bilott, who fought against DuPont, the plant’s previous owner. This battle led to settlements for communities suffering from contamination.
Recent data suggests that about 45% of U.S. tap water contains some type of PFAS. When the Biden administration established new regulations, it aimed to tackle this issue head-on, anticipating that up to 10% of public water systems might exceed safe limits.
However, compliance with these standards often requires substantial investment, especially for smaller utilities. The current approach emphasizes preventing contaminants from entering the water supply rather than costly removal efforts after contamination occurs.
Meanwhile, Chemours admits to exceeding its pollution limits but claims to be addressing the issue. A recent court ruling ordered stricter compliance, reflecting a growing acknowledgment of the dangers posed by PFAS. Environmental advocates stress the importance of not just meeting regulatory standards but actively protecting water sources.
Overall, the story of Louisville’s water challenges reflects a broader concern about the safety of drinking water in many communities across the country. As regulations evolve and public awareness grows, it highlights the need for continuous vigilance in monitoring and improving water quality.
For more in-depth information about PFAS and their health implications, visit the EPA’s guide here.
