Environmental Working Group Finds 'Forever Chemicals' in California Surface Water, Raising Health Concerns
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has conducted an analysis revealing that harmful 'forever chemicals,' specifically per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), were detected in half of the surface-water samples from California. The study reviewed data from the 2025 Surface Water Database, which included 4,158 samples collected between 2020 and 2023 across several counties, including Butte, Colusa, and Monterey. Notably, data from Fresno and Kern Counties, where PFAS pesticide applications are highest, were not included, indicating a potential gap in testing. PFAS are used in various consumer products and are known for their persistence in the environment and potential health risks, including cancer and thyroid disease. The EWG's findings highlight the need for more extensive environmental monitoring and suggest that PFAS contamination may be more widespread than current data indicates. 
