COLUMBIA, S.C. — A new study by South Carolina's top health agency shows some potentially harmful chemicals are on the rise in well water around the Palmetto State.
“Do not have an effect on taste or affect the color of the water or even have an odor,” Environmental Public Health Director Fran Marshall with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) said.
She was referring to per and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) or "Forever Chemicals."
“These chemicals were used in the 30s and 40s and are used in a variety of consumer products, including wrinkle and stain-resistant fabric that would include clothes, furniture, carpet, car seats, and more,” Marshall said.
DHEC announced in a briefing about its study on well water in South Carolina that 20% of exposure to the chemicals is from our drinking water. The study looked at 353 wells in the state after one year.
In the South Carolina Midlands, the department said the areas with the highest concentrations of these chemicals are Richland, Sumter, and Lexington counties.
“We’re detecting more PFAS in private wells and in the middle of the state, unfortunately; right here in Richland County and in Lexington County and some degree in Sumter County, all clustered near the Sandhills region, there are other parts of the state, we’ve detected none,” DHEC Environmental Health Specialist Ray Holberger said.
Some scientific studies have shown that PFAS may be linked to harmful health effects in humans and animals. While this data on Midlands well water is concerning, there are ways to reduce exposure.
“We provide a point-of-view faucet or pitcher filters certified to reduce PFAS concentration in water,” Holberger said.
DHEC said no regulation from the FDA requires testing for these chemicals in bottled water.
Residents can check their qualifications for a free well water test and sign up on DHEC's website.