Forever Chemicals. Routinely overlooked by policy-makers, these chemicals have seeped into the daily lives of average Americans with barely a whisper in public discourse—until now.
These insidious contaminants have lingered in our water sources since the 1960s, but, astonishingly, have been largely ignored. However, their cumulative effects have finally become undeniable. Now, the EPA is waking up to the situation’s urgency, instituting the first-ever national standards to limit these chemicals in our drinking water.
On April 10, 2024, the Biden-Harris Administration issued the first-ever national, legally enforceable drinking water standard to protect communities from exposure to harmful per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
These new laws aim to curb the pervasive threat posed by PFAS—often referred to as ‘forever chemicals’— ensuring cleaner, safer drinking water for millions. With legally enforceable levels set for specific PFAS chemicals, the regulations represent a critical shift towards more vigilant and health-conscious environmental governance of our public drinking water systems.
The EPA’s new standards are not just a public health imperative; they also mark a significant step forward in environmental justice, offering hope and protection to communities long affected by polluted water supplies. As these regulations roll out, public water systems across the nation will face the challenge of updating their infrastructure and processes, a move that, while costly, is essential for the long-term health of the American populace.
Implementing these changes across thousands of water systems will be costly, infrastructure-dependent, and time-consuming. So, it seems, one question remains.
In a world where clean water cannot wait, how do we protect ourselves now?
What Are Forever Chemicals?
Forever chemicals are a group of man-made chemicals used since the 1940s in a range of industries around the world. Found in everything from non-stick cookware and waterproof fabrics to firefighting foams and food packaging, PFAS were once prized for their resistance to heat, water, and oil.
Unfortunately, what we have come to learn is that these same properties also prevent PFAS from breaking down in the natural environment, leading to widespread and persistent contamination in soil, water, and even human blood.
Health Issues from Forever Chemicals
The damaging health effects associated with PFAS exposure include:
Cancer: PFAS exposure has been linked to an increased risk of cancer, including kidney and testicular cancer.
Liver Damage: Prolonged exposure to PFAS can lead to liver damage and dysfunction, impacting overall health.
Immune System Disruptions: PFAS exposure may disrupt the normal functioning of the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections and diseases.
Developmental Issues: Pregnant women exposed to PFAS may experience adverse effects on fetal development, potentially leading to birth defects and developmental disorders.
(Copyright © Environmental Working Group)
Map: Fresno among U.S. cities with high levels of ‘forever chemicals’ in tap water
In an interactive map created by the non-profit Environmental Working Group, 328 new PFAS contamination locations have been confirmed across the country.
Chemicals known as PFAS are all over the place, from nonstick cookware to furniture to firefighting foams.
“PFAS are an urgent public health issue facing people and communities across the nation,” said Environmental Protection Agency Assistant Administrator Water Radhika Fox in a news release. “The latest science is clear: exposure to certain PFAS, also known as forever chemicals, over long periods of time is linked to significant health risks.”
The chemicals, estimated to be in 45% of U.S. tap water, are not naturally degradable and have been linked to a number of health problems, including liver damage and immune system problems.
In March 2023, the Environmental Protection Agency proposed setting strict limits for PFAS in drinking water – 4 parts per trillion (ppt), which is the lowest detectable amount.
Some of the new test sites highlighted by the EWG far exceeded that number:
City | PFAS detected |
Fresno, Calif. | Nine types of PFAS at 194.3 ppt |
New Castle, Del. | Two types of PFAS at 270 ppt |
Robeson County, N.C. | Nine types of PFAS at 149.7 ppt |
Suffolk County, N.Y. | Four PFAS at 92.8 ppt |
Changing the Law on Forever Chemicals: A Turning Point in Public Health
The United States is now taking decisive action to address PFAS pollution and ensure access to clean, safe drinking water for all citizens. The recent announcement by the EPA marks a significant milestone in this effort, complementing broader initiatives aimed at combating the threat of toxic ‘forever chemicals to ‘ensure that all Americans have access to clean, safe drinking water.’
At the recent EPA launch Administrator Michael Regan highlighted the extensive reach of these new regulations, noting that approximately one hundred million people stand to benefit from improved water quality standards. While these developments are cause for optimism, the implementation of necessary changes across public water systems will require time and significant investment.
There is no doubt that this is great news. Yet despite these positive steps, and billions of dollars flowing to water providers to make these changes, they will still take time to implement fully. In some states, it could take up to five years for changes to water systems to take effect. Public water systems have three years to conduct initial monitoring for PFAS and inform the public of any detected levels. Where PFAS levels exceed standards, systems must implement solutions to reduce contamination within five years.
Given the heightened awareness of the dangers posed by forever chemicals to both health and the environment, the need for solutions is evident.
Fortunately, the solution to the challenges posed by forever chemicals has been around for over 15 years and is readily available to all US citizens: OPHORA Water.
OPHORA Water: Clean, Healthy Drinking Water
In the face of mounting concerns over PFAS contaminants in our water sources, the necessity for safe and uncontaminated drinking water has become increasingly urgent. While policy adjustments and infrastructure upgrades are essential for long-term solutions, immediate actions are vital to protect public health.
Enter OPHORA Water, a leading innovator in the realm of water purification.
OPHORA’s journey began in 2010 when our founders Ken Guoin and Christen Brown recognized the urgent need for clean, oxygen-rich water. Drawing from their deep connection to nature and their childhood experiences with pristine water sources, they embarked on a mission to recreate the purity and vitality of natural water. Since then, OPHORA has engineered a sophisticated 14-step water purification process, backed by four patents, designed to recreate the chemistry, oxygen levels, and taste of how water used to be found in nature. This includes filtering it to the nano-level where pesticides, pharmaceutical compounds, and microplastics are removed. Filter mediums can often contain plastics themselves; however, OPHORA incorporates organic coconut and walnut shell-based carbon substrates that are free of these materials.
OPHORA: Enhancing Wellness Through Water
The benefits of OPHORA include:
- No microplastics or forever chemicals
- Not dependent on a water source
- Filters pathogens, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, fluoride, chlorine, heavy metals, carcinogens, and microplastics
- Infused with unmatched levels of bio-available dissolved oxygen (40+ ppm), providing optimized absorption on an intra-cellular level
- Naturally sourced trace minerals properly balance OPHORA’s pH levels
- OPHORA is a proud member of 1% for the Planet, sharing in their mission for a healthier, sustainable planet
- Cutting-edge water technology removes over 30,000 known contaminants to deliver nano-pure®, hyper-oxygenated®, pH balanced, mineralized, re-structured® water – known as the World’s Healthiest Water®
Employing cutting-edge hyper-oxygenated technology, OPHORA Water sets a new standard for purity and wellness in drinking water. Unlike conventional purification methods, which may leave behind traces of impurities, OPHORA’s advanced filtration, ozone treatment, and UV radiation processes ensure the thorough elimination of germs, bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants.
OPHORA also acknowledges the importance of replenishing essential minerals that may be lost during the purification process. By reintroducing electrolytes such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium, OPHORA Water not only enhances taste and texture but also promotes overall health and well-being.
Beyond its purification capabilities, OPHORA Water is committed to environmental sustainability. Through the use of recyclable glass packaging and participation in environmental initiatives like 1% for the Planet, OPHORA minimizes its ecological footprint, ensuring that its impact on the environment is as pure as its water.
Regain confidence in your drinking water today.
Homeowners: Protect your family from “Forever Chemicals”. Request a quote for one of our Whole Home Systems.
Business Owners: Give your employees the gift of purified drinking water on tap. Consider our BIO-Quantum Drinking Water Station for your office break room. (Sparkling Water now available!)
Fashionistas: Keep your hair looking gorgeous every day with our BIO-SHOWER. Say no to “Forever Chemicals” in your shower water.
Athletes: Recover from injuries faster. Bio-Oxygenate your cells from the outside in…through your largest organ – your skin! Request a quote for one of our Soaking Tubs.
About OPHORA Water: OPHORA Water produces a unique type of water called “Hyper Oxygenated Water,” which is infused with unmatched levels of bio-available hyper-oxygenation. OPHORA’s cutting-edge water technology removes over 30,000 known contaminants to deliver nano-pure®, hyper-oxygenated®, pH balanced, mineralized, re-structured® water. – The World’s Healthiest Water®. OPHORA Water achieves nano-purity® and balanced alkalinity using 14 levels of filtration to remove carcinogenic and other damaging chemicals from source water. Follow OPHORA Water on Facebook and Instagram for water wellness tips.