Hispanic Access Foundation, in partnership with Waterkeeper Alliance, hosted “Unnatural, Unbreakable, Unseen: Uncovering PFAS Water Contamination in Frontline Communities,” a congressional briefing on Capitol Hill that brought together scientists, advocates, and community leaders to discuss the widespread impacts of PFAS contamination in waterways across the United States.
The briefing highlighted new findings showing PFAS—commonly known as “forever chemicals”—are present in a vast majority of tested U.S. waterways, underscoring growing concerns about water quality, public health, and environmental equity. Throughout the discussion, panelists shared scientific findings, community experiences, and policy perspectives on addressing PFAS contamination and strengthening protections for waterways and public health. Speakers also spoke on the importance of community engagement and cross-sector collaboration in advancing long-term water solutions.
The event featured remarks and discussion from Betsy Nicholas, President of Potomac Riverkeeper Network; Bob Bowcock of Integrated Resource Management, LLC; Brent Walls, Upper Potomac Riverkeeper; Chelsea McDonald, Clean Water Defense Campaign Manager at Waterkeeper Alliance; Jacki Esposito, Advocacy Director at Waterkeeper Alliance; Vanessa Muñoz, Waterways Program Manager at Hispanic Access Foundation; and Patrice Gonzalez, Hispanic Access Network Member and branch manager of the Mr. and Mrs. Ethel Schlegel Library.
“Communities should not have to question whether the water flowing through their neighborhoods is safe,” said Vanessa Muñoz, Waterways Program Manager at Hispanic Access Foundation. “This briefing will create a space to elevate the experiences of frontline communities while advancing conversations around equitable and lasting water protections.”
“The data collected by Waterkeeper groups confirms that PFAS contamination is widespread, and at unacceptable levels particularly in communities already disproportionately impacted by pollution,” said Chelsea McDonald, Clean Water Defense Campaign Manager at Waterkeeper Alliance. “This briefing is a call to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Congress to take the action we need to protect our communities and environment.”
Hispanic Access Foundation cultivates Latino leaders to protect rivers and watersheds by strengthening connections to water, culture, and community well-being. Through leadership development, accessible experiences, and trusted networks, the organization equips communities to advance solutions that improve water quality, expand access, and strengthen resilience to drought, flooding, and other water challenges.
As highlighted in the briefing, Waterkeeper Alliance is leading a multi-phase PFAS monitoring initiative to increase awareness about the presence of these toxic contaminants in U.S. surface waters. The most recent testing by local Waterkeeper groups across 19 states found PFAS at 98% of sites, with elevated levels downstream of wastewater treatment plants and biosolids application areas. Most sites exceeded health-protective thresholds, with limited enforceable limits or advanced treatment. These findings reinforce prior results showing widespread, persistent PFAS contamination and underscore the need for stronger standards, treatment, and oversight to protect public health and waterways.
