Researchers at Texas Christian University published a study in Cell Reports Sustainability using computer modeling to estimate that EPA reports capture only 44% of average combined PFAS concentrations in US water systems. The study analyzed over 1.8 million PFAS measurement records from EPA data released in January 2026.
Where
Statewide
When
Oct. 23, 2026
Sources
Reported by 2 outlets
Taxes and money
None stated in sources.
Who's involved
Gehendra KharelLead author, associate professor of environmental and geological sciences at Texas Christian University
Texas Christian UniversityConducted study
Jesse GoodrichAssistant professor in division of environmental health at University of Southern California
Alissa CordnerCo-director of PFAS Project Lab at Northeastern University
The facts
Study analyzed over 1.8 million PFAS measurement records from EPA's January 2026 data release.1
98% of PFAS test results were below the EPA's minimum reporting levels.1
Study used computer modeling to estimate PFAS levels across 9,991 community water systems.1
PFAS are linked to some cancers, high cholesterol, reproductive issues and other health problems.1
Study published in Cell Reports Sustainability by Texas Christian University researchers.1
Who said what
These are statements and claims made by the people involved. They are reported, not verified.
Study authors Below-limit results treated as zero capture only 44% of average combined PFAS concentration.1
Gehendra Kharel Below the reporting limit does not mean zero; distinction matters when summarizing PFAS concentrations.1
Jesse Goodrich Study explains how trace contamination and long half-life of PFAS compounds build up measurable exposure.1
Alissa Cordner EPA takes conservative approach by treating unmeasurable samples as zero, resulting in lowest possible contamination estimates.1
How they headlined it
The same event, as each outlet put it. Marked words appear in only one outlet's headline.
EPA could be vastly under-reporting PFAS levels in drinking water, study finds
These outlets were found through Google News headlines. Google decides which outlets appear there, and they lean mostly one way, so this sheet can only be as balanced as the reporting it was built from. Leanings are AllSides Media Bias Ratings.
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A study published in Cell Reports Sustainability found that EPA monitoring methods undercount PFAS ("forever chemicals") in U.S. drinking water. Researchers estimate conventional reporting captures only 44 percent of average PFAS concentration because results below EPA minimum reporting levels are recorded as zero.
Gehendra Kharel, Associate professor of environmental and geological sciences at Texas Christian University; first author of the study; Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Federal agency that monitors PFAS levels in water systems; Texas Christian University, Institution where lead researcher is affiliated
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Governor Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas; Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), State agency awarding grants; Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Federal agency providing funding and 2 more