Waterkeeper Alliance, in partnership with Hispanic Access Foundation, released a Spanish-language version of the PFAS Phase II Report, expanding access to findings that reveal toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were detected in 98% of tested U.S. waterways across 19 states.

The translated report provides Spanish-speaking communities with critical information about contamination from toxic “forever chemicals” and supports greater participation from frontline communities in efforts to advance solutions.

The release is part of an ongoing effort to ensure frontline communities have access to scientific information, are represented in policy discussions, and have the tools needed to advocate for stronger protections. In addition to Spanish-language materials, the organizations will highlight community experiences and perspectives through a social media campaign featuring impacted residents and local leaders throughout National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15–October 15).

“PFAS contamination doesn’t affect every community equally. Latino and other historically underserved communities are too often on the frontlines of exposure because they live, work, and recreate near polluted waterways and industrial sites,” said Vanessa Muñoz, Waterways Program Manager at Hispanic Access Foundation. “By making this information available in Spanish, we are helping ensure Latino communities are represented in science-backed data and have the resources they need to advocate for stronger protections.”

As part of an ongoing monitoring initiative, Waterkeeper Alliance and local Waterkeeper groups across 19 states investigated PFAS contamination near wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and permitted biosolids (treated sewage sludge) application fields, including sites in disproportionately impacted communities. Using PFASsive™ passive samplers developed by SiREM, they measured PFAS levels upstream and downstream of 22 WWTPs and 10 biosolids application fields. Sampling included eight locations identified by Hispanic Access Foundation in California, Florida, Mississippi, Ohio, Texas, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

Key findings include:

• PFAS were detected at 98% of sampling sites across 19 states.
• 95% of downstream WWTP sites and 80% of downstream biosolids sites showed increased concentrations of multiple PFAS compounds compared to upstream locations.
• Total PFAS exceeded the Environmental Working Group’s 1 part per trillion (ppt) health-based criteria at all WWTP sites and 90% of biosolids sites.
• Multiple sites exceeded federal drinking water thresholds for PFOA and PFOS.

The organizations have also brought these findings and frontline perspectives directly to policymakers. In May, Waterkeeper Alliance and Hispanic Access Foundation hosted a congressional briefing on Capitol Hill to share the monitoring results and highlight the urgent need for national action on PFAS contamination.

“All communities deserve to know where PFAS contamination exists and have a voice in shaping solutions,” said Marc Yaggi, CEO of Waterkeeper Alliance. “Our sampling confirms that these toxic chemicals are widespread and persistent. We’re using these science-backed findings to advocate for the strongest possible safeguards to stop PFAS pollution at the source.”

The release comes at a critical moment as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is considering changes that could weaken federal drinking water safeguards for PFAS, including extending the timeline for compliance with limits on PFOA and PFOS and rescinding protections for four additional PFAS: PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA (GenX chemicals), and PFBS. These proposed changes follow the agency’s previous determination that exposure to PFAS can cause serious health impacts, including liver damage, low birth weights, and increased risks of certain cancers.

Waterkeeper Alliance urges policymakers to strengthen PFAS protections by preventing contamination at the source, advancing comprehensive approaches to regulating the chemicals as a class rather than individual compounds, addressing PFAS contamination in biosolids, and investing in monitoring and solutions that prioritize frontline communities.

About Waterkeeper Alliance

Waterkeeper Alliance, headquartered in New York, is a global movement defending clean water through local action. With Waterkeeper groups across dozens of countries, the organization protects waterways, supports frontline communities, advances environmental justice, and holds polluters accountable through advocacy, litigation, monitoring, and public engagement to ensure safe, swimmable, drinkable water for all.