United States: A new study proposing a machine learning-based model estimates PFAS exposure from drinking water and found that up to 95 million Americans drinking water with PFAS may be before any treatment. This has brought a lot of fear and worries with regard to contamination that is not well monitored in both domestic and public water systems.
EPA Oversight Lacks Coverage for Small Water Systems
Although the EPA recently proposed expanded PFAS monitoring requirements, these do not apply to small public water systems or private wells, which provide drinking water to millions. This regulatory gap leaves many Americans exposed to potential PFAS contamination with no mandatory testing or treatment in place, as reported by scitechdaily.com
Using Machine Learning to Predict PFAS Hotspots
To address these gaps, researcher Andrea Tokranov and her team developed a national predictive model using XGBoost, a machine learning algorithm, to forecast PFAS contamination risks in groundwater. Using data from PFAS sampling between 2019 and 2022 in major U.S. aquifers, the model considers environmental factors, well depth, and known contamination sites to predict areas at risk.
States with Highest PFAS Exposure Levels
The model estimates that 71 to 95 million Americans may be exposed to PFAS in untreated groundwater, with large states like California, Florida, and Michigan reporting the highest number of affected users. Massachusetts and Washington, D.C., showed the highest percentages of impacted residents.
Challenges for Vulnerable Communities
While many large water systems have adopted PFAS treatment, costs remain a significant barrier for lower-income communities and private well users who lack access to testing and remediation options.
Call for Expanded Monitoring and Treatment
The researchers warn that PFAS contamination in groundwater may spread over time, moving deeper into water supplies. They emphasize that increased awareness, frequent monitoring, and expanded access to water treatment will be crucial to reduce exposure and protect public health, as reported by scitechdaily.com