SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A review of state and federal testing data has shown the extent of toxic chemicals in drinking water sources for California.
The nonprofit Environmental Working Group found forms of fluorinated chemicals known as PFAS in drinking water sources for 74 community water systems. The data comes from the State Water Resources Control Board and the Environmental Protection Agency between 2013 and 2019.
Some of those water sources have since been taken offline.
The chemicals have been used in anti-stain products and carpets. Studies have linked the chemicals to a variety of health problems, including cancer, immune system issues and liver and thyroid problems.
In August, the State Water Resources Control Board strengthened reporting guidelines for local water agencies for two of the chemicals as the agency develops regulatory standards.