PFAS forever chemicals

The City tests for chemicals in the water. They're known as per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

About PFAS

Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of human-made chemicals.

They're used in many products, including:

  • Nonstick cookware
  • Food packaging
  • Stain-resistant carpets
  • Fire-suppressing foam

Risks of PFAS

PFAS are a concern because they:

  • Do not break down in the environment (they're often called “forever chemicals”)
  • Can move through soils and contaminate drinking water sources
  • Build up in fish and wildlife
  • Can stay in the body for many years. Higher levels of exposure to PFAS may lead to health impacts.

Federal regulations for PFAS

We began monitoring for PFAS in 2015. Early tests did not show any PFAS in our water. With the more advanced testing available today, we are able to detect PFAS at even lower levels. 

Federal drinking water standards are in place for five PFAS chemicals:

  • PFOA
  • PFOS
  • PFNA
  • PFHxS
  • HFPO-DA

There is an index value for four other compounds. The City tests its drinking water for these chemicals annually. All our testing results are in compliance with the new standards. Our PFAS fact sheet shows test results for City water.

PFAS test results

In 2024, Minneapolis Water Treatment & Distribution Services (WTDS) tested its drinking water for 25 PFAS compounds. 1 compound was detected at extremely low levels.

  • PFBA detected range 7-12 parts per trillion (ppt)

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) health guidance value for PFBA is 7000 ppt.

WTDS’s levels are far below the MDH health guidance values. Based on this information, the MDH states our water is safe to drink.

Monitoring for PFAS

The City of Minneapolis began monitoring for PFAS in 2015. Early testing did not detect any PFAS in our water. With improved analytical methods, we are now able to detect a few of the PFAS compounds at very low levels.

In 2023, we began quarterly monitoring for 25 PFAS compounds as part of the EPA’s Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule 5. Based on these results we will test for PFAS annually in the river and our finished water. We will post these results as they become available.

The inside of the City of Minneapolis water plant in Fridley.

Minneapolis PFAS fact sheets

You can download a fact sheet to learn more about PFAS in many languages.
Download fact sheet

Resources

Minnesota Department of Health

Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

PFAS 101

United States Environmental Protection Agency

Final PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation

Contact us

Public Works Water Treatment & Distribution Services

Phone

For water emergencies

612-673-5600

For water quality information

612-661-4999

Address

4300 Marshall St. NE
Fridley, MN 55421

This building is closed to the public.