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PFAS can get into drinking water when products or wastes containing them are disposed of, used or spilled onto the ground or into lakes and rivers. PFAS move easily through the ground, getting into groundwater that is used for some water supplies or for private drinking water wells. When released into lakes or rivers used as sources of drinking water, they can get into drinking water supplies. PFAS released by facilities into the air can also end up in rivers and lakes used for drinking water.
In Michigan, groundwater monitoring well results are compared to groundwater cleanup criteria:
Drinking water maximum contaminant levels are found on the Public Drinking Water page.
Samples from lakes and streams are compared to the following water quality values for the protection of human health:
Test results can vary depending on several factors including the depth of the drinking water wells, groundwater flow direction, and geological characteristics underground. PFAS contamination in groundwater can be found at different depths in the ground depending on the aquifer thickness, type, and whether sand or clay are present. Groundwater flows in certain directions and paths, and depending on your home's and drinking water well's location in relation to the PFAS contamination source, your testing results might show different levels of PFAS than your neighbors well.
Health effects associated with PFAS include:
Studies in animals help us understand what could happen in people. Animals given very high amounts of PFOS and PFOA showed:
If you have medical questions, talk with your doctor. You may find ATSDR's fact sheet, "Talking to Your Doctor about Exposure to PFAS" helpful.
