CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) – The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control released an update Friday on a project aimed at measuring levels of man-made chemicals found in private wells.
These chemicals, known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), have been used in everyday products for decades to withstand heat, oil, dirt, grease, and water. According to DHEC’s website, household products that contain PFAS include nonstick cookware, food packaging, cosmetics, water- and stain-resistant items, and dental floss.
However, research shows that consuming too much PFA from drinking water can lead to a number of health risks, including high cholesterol and an increased chance of kidney and testicular cancer.
Back in 2022, the state Legislature provided $10 million to DHEC for PFAS-related projects and data collection. Immediately after this funding, the agency began a private well PFAS sampling project.
Since the beginning of this project, DHEC has sampled more than 353 private wells across the state. In more than 50% of the samples tested, PFAS were not present in the well water.
Experts say PFAS contamination is more common in central parts of the state, such as Richland and Lexington counties, but not as many PFAS have been identified in Lowcountry counties.
They also said they found that groundwater in South Carolina had less PFAS than surface water.
“It’s hard to say exactly what these sources are, and they tend to be less obvious. We’re working to figure out what’s going on,” said Ray, DHEC Environmental Risk Specialist. Holberger says.
These chemicals are unrecognizable. PFAS has no taste or odor, so the only way to know for sure if there is PFAS in your water is to test a water sample. DHEC’s website includes a form that allows South Carolina residents to request testing at a private well near them.
To date, 271 applications have been submitted through the online application form, and DHEC has responded to 249 of them.
If you’re concerned about PFAS in your water, they say the best way to reduce PFAS is to invest in a carbon filtration system approved by the National Sanitation Foundation.
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