DEP to sample 300 public water supplies for man-made contaminants

The state Department of Environmental Protection has announced plans to sample 300 public water sources statewide for contaminants.

The program will specifically look for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, in areas known to harbor such contaminants, including military bases, fire training sites, landfills and manufacturing facilities, DEP said.

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances are man-made chemicals that are used to make cookware, carpets, clothing, furniture fabrics, food packaging and other materials that are resistant to water, grease or stains.

The first phase of the plan will begin in May and will last about a year, DEP said.

“Addressing PFAS in drinking water is one of our top priorities,” DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell said. “This sampling plan will shed light on the extent of PFAS contamination in Pennsylvania.”

More information on perfluorinated chemicals can be found at the DEP website dep.pa.gov/pfcs.