Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

​​Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) ​refers to more than 9,000 human-made chemicals. These chemicals repel water, oil and grease.

PFAS are also called “forever chemicals." They don't breakdown in the environment and build up in wildlife and humans through exposure.

Since the 1940s, PFAS have been used in many commercial and industrial applications, including:

• Metal plating
• Carpeting
• Waterproof clothing
• Upholstery
• Food paper wrappings
• Cookware
• Cosmetics
• Fire-fighting foam 
• And much more​
  

Find more information about PFAS on the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency website.​

Health effects 

Current peer-reviewed scientific studies show exposure to certain levels of PFAS may lead to: 

• Reproductive effects (decreased fertility)
• Increased high blood pressure in pregnant people. 
• Developmental effects or delays in children. This includes low birth weight, accelerated puberty, bone variations or behavioral changes. 
• Increased risk of some cancers. This includes prostate, kidney and testicular cancers. 
• Reduced ability of the body's immune system to fight infections, including reduced vaccine response. 
•  Interference with the body's natural hormones. 
•  Increased cholesterol levels and risk of obesity. 

PFAS in drinking​​ water 

PFAS can enter groundwater and drinking water sources as they move through soil and water. The EPA has set federal drinking water standards for six PFAS in public water systems. Community water systems must monitor for these chemicals and take action if levels exceed federal limits. Public systems must meet these standards by 2029. 

MDH regulates public water supplies to ensure they meet federal Safe Drinking Water Act standards.  

Private wells are not regulated by federal drinking water standards. Well owners are responsible for testing and treating their water.  Visit the MDH website for private well recommendations.  ​

Please contact your city if you have questions about these results. See city water testing results on the Minnesota Department of Health's Interactive Dashboard for PFAS Testing in Drinking Water. Learn more about Minnesota's drinking water guidance values. 

PFAS testing ​in Dakota County 

The county coordinates efforts to address PFAS and other emerging contaminants that may affect public health, drinking water and natural resources. The county conducts water sampling and tests for chemicals identified as emerging priorities. PFAS sampling results are available on the Dakota County PFAS Dashboard (coming soon)​. 

In Dakota County, some public water systems exceed the EPA drinking water standards for PFAS. These cities are taking steps to reduce PFAS levels and have until 2029 to meet the federal standards.   

Each year, cities in Dakota County create reports on local drinking water. These are also called Consumer Confidence Reports (CCR). They contain information on what substances are monitored, treatments and other drinking water-related information. 

​Testing & treat​ing drinking water 

Private well owners are responsible for managing their drinking water quality. Well owners may choose to test and, if necessary, treat their water. 

Testing for PFAS is expensive and current laboratory methods are only able to detect a small fraction of the thousands of PFAS chemicals that have been manufactured.  For this reason, routine testing may not be practical for all well owners.  Learn more about MDH recommendations for private wells. 

If PFAS are found in your water or you want to reduce your potential exposure, look for a water treatment device certified for PFOA/PFOS reduction. For more information, visit the EPA website and review the Granular Activated Carbon Filter Fact Sheet.​

Other treatment options to reduce PFAS are listed on the Minnesota Department of Health's website.

PFAS in con​sumer products 

• PFAS is found in many products and is not required to be listed on the label. 
• Food packaging, including grease-resistant paper, fast food containers and wrappers, microwave popcorn bags, pizza boxes, and candy wrappers 
• Nonstick cookware 
• Stain-resistant coatings used on carpets, upholstery, and other fabrics 
• Water-resistant clothing 
• Some cleaning products 
• Some personal care products (shampoo, dental floss) and cosmetics (nail polish, eye makeup) 
• Some paints, varnishes and sealants 

Minnesota now has laws in place to end avoidable use of PFAS by 2032. 

To reduce your potential exposure, choose PFAS-free products using PFAS Central's list or Greenscree​n for Safer Chemicals' list. Some companies have PFAS-free policies in place. Others published a date on their website for when they stopped using PFAS in their products.

PFAS i​​n fish 

PFAS can accumulate in fish and wildlife. When PFAS are found in local waters, MDH may issue a fish consumption advisory.  

If you plan to eat the fish you catch: 

• Check LakeFi​nder on the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website for lake-specific guidance.  

• Check the MDH website for river and waterbody-specific fish consumption guidelines. 

In March 2026, MDH updated fish consumption guidance for waterbodies within the Vermillion River Watershed based on PFAS levels found in fish tissue.