The Reality Behind the Tap: PFAS and The Current State of U.S. Drinking Water
In the United States, we tend to assume that clean drinking water is a guarantee. It’s easy to take for granted, given that the U.S. is one of the most developed countries in the world. However, recent research tells a different story. One that challenges our trust in the tap and requires us to take a closer look at our drinking water systems.
A recent study found that over 20% of the U.S. population has PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” in their drinking water. PFAS contamination in a developed country like the U.S. may seem surprising, but it’s an increasingly common issue affecting communities coast to coast. This finding is a wake-up call: ensuring safe water isn’t just a problem for developing nations but a pressing issue for the U.S.
What Are PFAS, and Why Are They Dangerous?
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals used in various products—from clothing and stain-resistant fabrics to nonstick cookware. Dubbed “forever chemicals” because they don’t quickly degrade, PFAS build up in the environment, contaminating our water sources and posing potential health risks. Studies have linked PFAS exposure to serious health concerns, including liver damage, immune system disruption, and an increased risk of certain cancers. A 2020 study published in Environmental Science & Technology Letters found PFAS in the drinking water of an estimated 200 million Americans.
With their persistence and toxicity, PFAS chemicals are a unique threat. Yet, traditional water treatment facilities aren’t always equipped to remove them, leaving many people completely and unknowingly exposed.
The economic toll of PFAS contamination is staggering. A 2019 report by the Nordic Council of Ministers estimated that the health-related costs of PFAS exposure in Europe alone could be as high as 84 billion euros annually.
The Challenges in U.S. Water Infrastructure
While PFAS are a prominent and dangerous contaminant, they’re part of a broader set of issues facing U.S. water infrastructure. With more than 2 million miles of water pipes, the U.S. relies on aging infrastructure and treatment plants that cannot meet the demands of current water safety standards. Mismanagement of safe drinking water can also be attributed to industrial pollution and agricultural runoff, which discharges large quantities of nitrogen and phosphorus into waterways, promoting toxic algal blooms that deplete oxygen in our waterways.
These challenges reveal the need for modern solutions. Our water infrastructure was designed decades ago, and its outdated system isn’t equipped to handle these contaminants. Rebuilding this complex infrastructure is costly. As PFAS and other contaminants persist, we need innovative approaches to guarantee clean water is accessible nationwide.
Why AERstream is the Solution
AERstream’s AWG makes a difference by offering a solution to the growing concerns about drinking water safety. Our technology goes beyond traditional water treatment, specifically targeting PFAS and other persistent contaminants to ensure pure and safe water.
AERstream addresses both the limitations of the U.S. current infrastructure and the threats posed by PFAS. With our advanced filtration and purification techniques, AERstream offers a level of safety that goes beyond the capabilities of most public water systems.
As access to safe drinking water becomes increasingly constrained, individuals, businesses, and communities must take proactive steps to reduce contaminants like PFAS that affect millions of Americans daily. At AERstream, we’re committed to providing reliable, advanced solutions for clean water by a solution for families and businesses alike. In a time when water quality can’t be taken for granted, we’re here to ensure that clean, safe drinking water is within everyone’s reach.
Commenti