About half of California waterways contaminated with Pfas, pesticide analysis finds An analysis of state and federal records revealed that approximately half of California waterways tested are contaminated with pesticides containing PFAS, or ‘forever chemicals.’ These substances are linked to various health problems, including cancer, and their presence in streams and rivers, which serve as drinking water sources, is a growing concern. The review, which also found PFAS in over half of sediment samples, underscores the widespread application of these chemicals on food crops.

• About 50% of California waterways tested contain PFAS pesticides, referred to as ‘forever chemicals’.
• These chemicals are linked to serious health issues, including cancer.
• PFAS were found in more than half of tested sediment samples.
• A proposal to ban PFAS pesticides failed in the state assembly, but a moratorium on new approvals passed.
• California farms applied an average of 2.5 million pounds of PFAS annually on cropland from 2018 to 2023.
• Residues of these pesticides were found on 37% of all produce tested.
• The pesticide bifenthrin, linked to cancer, was detected in all San Luis Obispo waterways.
• Legislation passed requires pesticides to carry warnings about PFAS health and environmental risks.