EPA Data Reveals Top 10 U.S. States with Contaminated Public Water

More than 20 percent of Americans rely on public drinking sources from groundwater that contains per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), according to new research from the U.S. Geological Survey.

A new study published by PFAS Water Experts builds on these findings and reveals the U.S. states with the most unsafe drinking water.

“Drinking contaminated water can have both short and long-term health effects," Andrew J. Cobos, attorney-at-law and chief veteran legal counsel at PFAS Water Experts. "Whether someone experiences health effects and how severe they are depends on things like the type and amount of contaminant, how much water they drink, how long they’re exposed, and their individual susceptibility.  

The ranking analyzes data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The research examines water quality violations in public water systems (PWS) from 2019 to 2023, focusing on contaminants such as PFAS, lead and E. coli that pose public health risks.

View the slideshow to identify the U.S. states with the most health-based violations.