Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals prized for their water and oil-repellent properties, making them common in everything from non-stick cookware to water resistant fabrics. However, their persistence in the environment, resulting in them being known as “forever chemicals”, and links to serious health risks have made PFAS a global concern.
As governments tighten drinking water standards to protect public health, understanding these regulations is crucial for industries and water suppliers. In the USA, for example, at least 45% of the nation’s tap water is estimated to have one or more types of PFAS, and between 2003 and 2023, over 23,000 sites of PFAS contamination have been detected – each of these sites was sampled for PFAS in water, soil or living organisms, and levels were found to be equal to or greater than 10ng/L. Pesticide Action Network Europe (PAN Europe) also detected residues of the “forever pollutant” trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) in tap water and bottled mineral water, in addition to rivers across Europe, in studies conducted in 2024.
Here are five key facts you need to know to ensure safe drinking water in your community and guarantee effective testing:
1. PFAS regulations vary by country and region
Drinking water standards for PFAS differ significantly around the world. In the US, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently proposed enforceable limits for PFOS and PFOA at 4 parts per trillion (ppt). In the EU, the Drinking Water Directive sets a limit of 0.1 µg/L (100 ppt) for the sum of 20 PFAS compounds. Countries like Australia and Canada also have their own guidelines, making it essential to stay informed on regional requirements for compliance.
2. Health risks drive regulatory changes
Growing evidence links PFAS exposure to serious health issues, including cancer, thyroid disease and developmental problems. These risks are prompting stricter limits and increased regulatory oversight. Governments worldwide are prioritizing PFAS reduction to protect public health and ensure safe drinking water.
3. Monitoring and testing methods are critical
Accurate testing is vital for meeting regulatory standards. Methods like EPA 537.1 and EPA 533 in the US and ISO 21675 in Europe are commonly used for detecting PFAS in drinking water. We provide validated sampling protocols and state-of-the-art analysis across the globe to help utilities and industries stay compliant. Our PFAS testing laboratories are located in the USA, Canada, Sweden, Germany, Belgium, The Netherlands, Bulgaria, Australia, China, Taiwan and Brazil, and we are also able to serve the surrounding countries and regions. More locations are planned.
4. PFAS persistence makes compliance challenging.
PFAS do not easily degrade. Their persistence means that even low-level contamination can be difficult to remediate. Furthermore, as PFAS are highly mobile and have many applications, they are spread widely throughout the environment. Effective compliance requires regular monitoring, advanced filtration technologies, and reliable testing services.
5. Emerging regulations demand proactive action
With PFAS standards tightening worldwide, businesses and water suppliers need to stay ahead of regulatory changes. Proactive measures, such as comprehensive PFAS assessments and remediation strategies, help mitigate risks and ensure long-term compliance.
Staying informed and working with trusted partners like SGS ensures you meet PFAS drinking water standards and protect public health.
Find out about our environmental PFAS sampling and testing services today.
Sources: The Map of Forever Pollution, Tap water study detects PFAS ‘forever chemicals’ across the US | U.S. Geological Survey
For further information, please contact:
Luca Fagiuoli
Global Business Development Manager – Environmental Testing
Industries & Environment
t: +4915123475596
About SGS
SGS is the world’s leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. We operate a network of over 2,500 laboratories and business facilities across 115 countries, supported by a team of 99,500 dedicated professionals. With over 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, compliance and sustainability.
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