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USGS Scientists Develop an Interactive Mapping Tool to Visualize PFAS in Tap Water

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By Environmental Health Program July 20, 2023

Scientists Study Contaminants in the Environment and in Tap Water to Understand Exposure

View Interactive Mapper

A new interactive dashboard is available to visualize PFAS measurements for 716 tap water samples collected at select sites across the nation between 2016 and 2021 from private and public supplies.

PFAS are a group of synthetic chemicals used in a wide variety of common applications, from the linings of fast-food boxes and non-stick cookware to fire-fighting foams and other purposes. Their persistence in the environment and prevalence across the country make them a unique water-quality concern. Drinking-water quality and potential exposures to per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) at the point-of-use (tapwater) are a rising concern in the United States (US). To understand potential exposures to PFAS at the point-of-use, 716 locations (269 private-well; 447 public supply) were sampled across the US between 2016 and 2021. Results from this national reconnaissance, including data on potential PFAS sources, are compiled and displayed in this interactive dashboard. 

VIEW THE INTERACTIVE DASHBOARD

A USGS map of the U.S. with dots representing tap water sample sites across the nation, varying in size and shade of blue to
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
This USGS map shows the number of PFAS detected in tap water samples from select sites across the nation. The findings are based on a USGS study of samples taken between 2016 and 2021 from private and public supplies at 716 locations. The map does not represent the only locations in the U.S. with PFAS.  

A new interactive dashboard is available to visualize PFAS measurements for 716 tap water samples collected at select sites across the nation between 2016 and 2021 from private and public supplies.

PFAS are a group of synthetic chemicals used in a wide variety of common applications, from the linings of fast-food boxes and non-stick cookware to fire-fighting foams and other purposes. Their persistence in the environment and prevalence across the country make them a unique water-quality concern. Drinking-water quality and potential exposures to per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) at the point-of-use (tapwater) are a rising concern in the United States (US). To understand potential exposures to PFAS at the point-of-use, 716 locations (269 private-well; 447 public supply) were sampled across the US between 2016 and 2021. Results from this national reconnaissance, including data on potential PFAS sources, are compiled and displayed in this interactive dashboard. 

VIEW THE INTERACTIVE DASHBOARD

A USGS map of the U.S. with dots representing tap water sample sites across the nation, varying in size and shade of blue to
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
This USGS map shows the number of PFAS detected in tap water samples from select sites across the nation. The findings are based on a USGS study of samples taken between 2016 and 2021 from private and public supplies at 716 locations. The map does not represent the only locations in the U.S. with PFAS.  
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