Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS):

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a broad class of chemicals manufactured since the 1940s. Several adverse human health outcomes are associated with exposure to PFAS. A new USGS study provides an assessment in Pennsylvania, associating likely sources of PFAS to streams. The significant sources in this study were urbanization, electronics manufacturing, water pollution control facilities, agriculture, and sewer infrastructure near rural oil and gas development.

Click here for additional information on PFAS research in USGS or contact USGS scientist Sara Breitmeyer.

National water resources trends:

Water resources managers often contend with the tension between human water use and ecological needs that result from changes in water resources. USGS scientists have identified scientific gaps and potential paths forward for the next generation of trend assessments to better address critical changes in water resources. Quantifying the changes in water resources and advancing our understanding of the drivers responsible for those changes are important to inform water availability management decisions.

For more information read the paper or contact USGS scientist Sarah Stackpoole.

New data repository:

Accurate geospatial data often is needed to estimate concentrations and assess risk associated with three contaminant classes: harmful algal blooms (HABs), poly and per-fluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS), and elements of concern (EoC). As part of the USGS Water Mission Area Proxies Project, an online data repository was developed to bring together spatial and scientific information not previously available in one place. The data from this repository may be important for computer models that evaluate these contaminants at subbasin, basin, and continental United States spatial scales. 

For more information contact USGS scientist Brianna Williams.

Two new publications on wildfires:

Wildfires can be a risk to water supplies in the western U.S. and other parts of the world when they degrade water quality. USGS scientists identified post-wildfire water-quality monitoring opportunities that would improve assessment and prediction of wildfire effect and recovery. Working with collaborators, chemical characteristics of wildfire ash were identified across the globe along with the environmental and socio-economic implications. Improved estimates of the magnitude, timing, and duration of post-wildfire effects on water quality would aid the water resources community to prepare for and mitigate wildfire effects on water supplies.

For more information, click the links above or contact USGS scientist Sheila Murphy.