EWG Finds PFAS Pesticides in Half of California Waterways as 2.5 Million Pounds Hit Cropland Yearly
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jun 5
EWG Finds PFAS Pesticides in Half of California Waterways as 2.5 Million Pounds Hit Cropland Yearly
1 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jun 5
Summary
About half of California waterways tested by regulators contained PFAS pesticides, an EWG analysis found, with more than half of sediment samples also showing contamination in streams and rivers that include drinking-water sources.
At least 10 pesticide-linked PFAS were identified, and the group said heavy farm use helps explain the spread: California cropland received an average 2.5 million pounds a year from 2018 to 2023.
San Luis Obispo and Monterey agricultural areas showed some of the highest concentrations; bifenthrin was found in all San Luis Obispo waterways tested and in more than 80% of Stanislaus County samples.
The report says contamination is likely undercounted because regulators sampled streams in only 10 counties, while prior application data pointed to heavy PFAS pesticide use in Fresno and Kern, where water data was not collected.
The findings landed days after California lawmakers dropped a proposed full ban by 2035, though a moratorium on new PFAS pesticides, warning labels and stronger local limits survived in the bill.
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California Moves to Ban PFAS Pesticides After 15 Million Pounds Used—Health Risks, Alternatives, and Global Lessons
Overview
California is taking major steps to address PFAS contamination, especially from pesticides, as scientific concern grows about their presence in the environment and food supply. The state is considering Assembly Bill 1603, which would phase out PFAS pesticides and increase public disclosure. Although PFAS pesticides make up only 5% of registered active ingredients, they account for 15% of residues found on California produce. This legislative push comes amid criticism of weak federal action, highlighting California’s leadership in protecting public health and aligning with global efforts to reduce these persistent chemicals in agriculture.