A new analysis by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) reveals alarming levels of PFAS, or ‘forever chemicals,’ contaminating nearly half of California’s waterways. The report, based on state and federal data, indicates that up to 50% of surface water and 45-55% of sediment samples contain these harmful substances, primarily from pesticide use. PFAS are notorious for their persistence in the environment and have been linked to serious health issues, including cancer and immune system disruption. The EWG highlights that over 60% of pesticide active ingredients are PFAS, raising concerns about their widespread application in agriculture. EWG senior VP Bernadette Del Chiaro emphasized the need to halt the use of these toxic chemicals on crops, as their presence in water and soil could expose millions of Californians to health risks. The report also notes that agricultural practices have led to an estimated 2.5 million pounds of PFAS being used annually on California farms, suggesting that the true extent of contamination may be even greater than reported. This issue reflects a broader pollution problem within the agricultural sector, likely affecting other regions across the United States as well.