A new study released by the Delaware River Basin Commission reveals that toxic PFAS contamination remains widespread throughout the entire Delaware River Basin, raising serious concerns for long-term environmental health, local wildlife, and drinking water safety across Pennsylvania and neighboring states. The comprehensive report summarizes more than 20 years of intense scientific research into per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. These hazardous compounds are commonly referred to as "forever chemicals" because they resist natural degradation and break down extremely slowly over time in the environment.
The findings directly impact a massive portion of Northeastern Pennsylvania, where multiple counties fall either fully or partially within the Delaware River Basin boundaries. Communities in Pike, Monroe, Wayne, and parts of Carbon County rely heavily on the basin's delicate waterways for their daily drinking water supply and local outdoor recreation. Additionally, portions of Lackawanna, Luzerne, Susquehanna, and Wyoming counties connect to the basin, meaning local watersheds across the region face potential exposure to the persistent chemical contaminants.
