By: Richard L. Smith
Info. Credit: CNN
A CNN report published Thursday is renewing national attention on so-called “forever chemicals,” known scientifically as PFAS, and their potential long-term impact on drinking water, an issue that has been front and center in New Jersey for years.
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are man-made chemicals used for decades in products such as nonstick cookware, waterproof clothing, food packaging, and firefighting foam.
Because they do not easily break down in the environment or in the human body, researchers have linked prolonged exposure to certain cancers, liver damage, immune system suppression, and other health concerns.
According to CNN’s report, experts warn that PFAS contamination is widespread across the country and can be difficult and costly for water systems to remove once detected.
The report highlights growing scientific evidence about the persistence of these chemicals and the challenges municipalities face in meeting tightening federal standards.
In New Jersey, the issue is particularly significant.
The state was among the first in the nation to establish its own enforceable drinking water limits for key PFAS compounds, including PFOA, PFOS, and PFNA, years before the federal government finalized nationwide standards in 2024.
State officials have also taken aggressive legal action.
In 2025, New Jersey reached a landmark settlement valued at up to $2 billion with major chemical manufacturers over PFAS contamination claims, marking one of the largest environmental recoveries in state history.
The funds are intended to support cleanup efforts and help offset the costs of water treatment upgrades.
PFAS contamination in New Jersey has historically been linked to industrial sites, legacy manufacturing, and areas near military installations where firefighting foam was widely used.
As a result, utilities across the state have been required to test, monitor, and, where necessary, install advanced filtration systems to reduce PFAS levels in drinking water.
With federal standards now in place and compliance deadlines approaching over the next several years, many New Jersey water systems are continuing infrastructure upgrades to meet stricter limits.
Public health officials encourage residents to review their local water utility’s annual Consumer Confidence Report for PFAS testing results.
Those using private wells are advised to consider independent testing, as private wells are not subject to the same monitoring requirements as public systems.
As the science continues to evolve, the CNN report underscores what New Jersey regulators and environmental advocates have long emphasized: PFAS contamination is not a short-term issue, but a long-term environmental challenge that requires sustained oversight, funding, and transparency.