Statement on new drinking water guidance for per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances

After revising their health-based water values for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to include new scientific research, the Minnesota Department of Health has issued this statement: 

Minnesota state agencies are committed to working together to protect drinking water supplies from contaminants. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) uses the latest scientific research to provide health-based guidance to public drinking water systems, local governments and private well owners.

New research, which included new human data, prompted MDH to lower its health-based values (HBVs) for two per- and polyfluroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water, perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS). An HBV reflects the level of a contaminant that can be present in water and protect the most vulnerable populations for up to a lifetime of exposure.

People can be exposed to PFAS in many ways including contaminated drinking water and certain consumer products. Minnesota has long been a leader in recognizing the impacts of PFAS and acting to protect Minnesotans. The State Legislature passed a new law in 2023 banning nonessential use of PFAS in Minnesota, called Amara’s Law. This legislation as well as MDH’s new HBVs for these two PFAS in drinking water further the state’s efforts to help Minnesotans avoid harmful exposures to these persistent chemicals and their effects on human health.

People can learn more about actions they can take to reduce their exposure to PFAS at Reducing Exposures: Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) (PDF).

More information about PFAS and drinking water can be found on the MDH website at Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances. The MDH website also includes an interactive dashboard for that shows the status and results of PFAS testing in Minnesota drinking water systems.  

For more information, contact:
Amy Barrett, MDH Communications 
amy.barrett@state.mn.us 
651-201-4993