Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are a group of man-made chemicals applied to many consumer goods to make them waterproof, stain resistant, or nonstick. PFAS are also used in products like cosmetics, fast food packaging, and a type of firefighting foam called aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) which are used mainly on large spills of flammable liquids, such as jet fuel.  PFAS are classified as contaminants of emerging concern, meaning that research into the harm they may cause to human health is still ongoing. The most commonly studied PFAS are perfuorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA).

In 2020, the Ohio EPA analyzed the drinking water at Del-Co’s Olentangy WTP, Alum Creek WTP, and Knox County WTP.  There were NO DETECTIONS found in these samples.  Click here (Ohio EPA PFAS Testing) for more information about the Ohio EPA sampling and see below for information from the Ohio Department of Health.  In addition, between 2023 – 2025, Del-Co will be testing for 29 PFAS chemicals as part of the USEPA Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule 5.  Click here (UCMR5 Testing) for more information.