Alabama's struggles ridding drinking water of so-called "forever chemicals" has seen some spotty progress, and more systems are working on improvements, reports AL.com's Dennis Pillion.
Dennis previously reported on new EPA limits for PFAS. That stands for "per- and polyfluroalkyl substances," chemicals that resist heat, oil, grease and stains and are used in products such as non-stick cookware and stain-resistant fabric. They were created in the lab to last, and that's the problem -- they are believed to take thousands of years to break down. Meantime, they get into the ground and are carried by groundwater into drinking-water sources. They build up in fish, wildlife and folks, and have been linked to a host of health issues.
The EPA changed its standard for two of the most common forever chemicals from 70 parts per trillion to 4 parts per trillion. The Alabama Department of Environmental Management welcomed the stricter standards, putting Montgomery and Washington on the same side, along with anyone in Alabama who's prone to get thirsty.
Many water systems in Alabama have tested at least once above 4 parts per trillion in tests since 2020. But work's being done in filtering and in courtrooms.
For example, Guin Water Works has since settled a pollution lawsuit with chemical-maker 3M Corporation and built a carbon filter plant, and now manager Terri Dennis says its water is testing at zero.
Several water systems are in court with PFAS-producing companies, including 3M, to try to get them to pay for their filtration systems. Federal grant money is also been budgeted for the issue, which stretches far beyond Alabama.
Incidentally, PFAS filtration systems for homes are also available.
