PFAS

Wastewater treatment is a cornerstone of public health, disease prevention and environmental progress.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as PFAS, are used in varying degrees in everyday products such as non-stick cookware, stain resistant clothing and other fabrics, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and pesticides. Publicly owned clean water utilities such as Johnson County Wastewater do not produce or manufacture PFAS. Wastewater utilities receive these PFAS chemicals, often referred to as “forever chemicals,” through the wastewater that arrives at our treatment plants from homes and businesses.

PFAS ends up in the sanitary sewers that run from homes and businesses when people use products containing those chemicals. This happens through everyday activities such as cleaning non-stick cookware or washing off cosmetics that contain PFAS. The water that now has PFAS exits the building through the sewers and is received by the wastewater treatment facility.

Clean water utilities are proactively engaged in advancing the national discussion and understanding of PFAS, and we are also deeply committed to our primary responsibility of providing sustainable, affordable clean water to communities.

We will continue to work with industry partners to contribute to the scientific research of PFAS in wastewater and biosolids. Biosolids are a form of fertilizer that have been produced through the traditional wastewater treatment process for decades. JCW will continue to work with research partners, Kansas Department of Health & Environment and Environmental Protection Agency to ensure the continued safe application of biosolids.

So, what can you do to help?

Learn

Visit reputable websites to learn more about available PFAS-free products, such as:

  1. EPA’s Safer Choice Program – This federal government site lists PFAS-free cleaning products.
  2. PFAS Central – This is a project of Green Science Policy. This source provides a list of various PFAS-free products.
  3. Environmental Working Group (EWG) – This offers a summary of manufacturers with claims of PFAS-free products. (Note: Not all claims have been independently verified).

Make a Change

When it’s financially feasible, replace PFAS-containing items in your home with those that are certified PFAS-free. Each year, commit to replacing one commonly used item from your home that contains PFAS (such as a non-stick pan, cosmetics, laundry detergent, etc).

Advocate

Share this information with your family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, etc. and encourage them to adopt a PFAS-free life. This can also include contacting your state and federal elected officials to encourage them to enact legislation banning the sale of products containing PFAS (or intentionally-added PFAS).

More Information