A new Water Research Foundation (WRF) study is shedding light on how PFAS enters wastewater systems – and pointing to surprising sources.
Speaking at a recent technical session during WEFTEC 2025, Eva Steinle-Darling, PhD, PE, principal investigator of WRF project 5082, explained that while PFAS-producing industries, military sites and airports release the highest concentrations, the largest overall PFAS load comes from domestic wastewater due to their much higher flows. Everyday products like personal care items, cleaners and household goods contribute to a significant baseline level of contamination.
“What we really need to do it be looking for PFAS at the source and try to not treat our way out of this problem,” Steinle-Darling said during the presentation. “I have yet to see a single wastewater sample come back with no PFAS in it. If you analyze for PFAS, it’s there.”
WRF project 5082 drew on case studies from across the country, including the Trinity River Authority, Southern Nevada Water Authority, Orange County Water District and Ann Arbor, Michigan. Researchers involved with the study found a consistent “domestic fingerprint” of PFAS compounds across systems, which could help utilities identify when industrial discharges are contributing additional loads.
The findings underscore the challenges utilities face: wastewater treatment plants are receivers, not sources, of PFAS. “Even for those of us who are informed and engaged, its really hard to avoid PFAS when they’re everywhere – even in something as simple as shaving cream,” Steinle-Darling said.
Alongside the research, the team developed a practical guidance document to help utilities design monitoring plans, interpret sampling results and pursue effective source tracking. The emphasis, however, is on controlling PFAS upstream through stronger regulations and product phase-outs.
“Ultimately, the only thing that is really going to change the pickle we’re all in is proactive advocacy and policy – not just better treatment,” Steinle-Darling concluded.
The full WRF project 5082 report is available here for WRF subscribers.
