TOKYO, June 22 (Xinhua) -- Japan is set to conduct its first comprehensive survey on the concentration of potentially harmful per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in tap water, following their detection in filtration plants and rivers nationwide, local media reported Saturday.

This initiative aims to gather data from prefectural governments and state-authorized water utility companies to reassess water quality standards, national news agency Kyodo reported, citing a government source.

In late May, the government called for prefectural governments and water utility companies authorized by the state in late May to provide data on PFAS chemicals, commonly known as "forever chemicals," due to their persistence in the environment and potential health risks.

PFAS encompasses over 10,000 synthetic chemicals, including perfluorooctanesulfonic acid and perfluorooctanoic acid, used in products like non-stick cookware and water-resistant clothing.

While there is no conclusive evidence of adverse health effects, some researchers suggest potential risks, such as increased cancer rates.

The survey, unprecedented in its scope, will include small water utility companies and aims to identify filtration plants detecting PFAS from fiscal 2020 to 2024, Kyodo reported.

The data collection will focus on the highest PFAS concentrations found in tap water and any instances exceeding the government's provisional target of 50 nanograms per liter for tap water and rivers.

Water facilities yet to conduct PFAS inspections must justify the delay and specify future plans for testing.

The initiative follows a significant contamination event at a Kibichuo filtration plant in Okayama prefecture, where PFAS levels reached 1,400 nanograms per liter, 28 times the government limit. The contamination was traced to improperly stored spent activated charcoal upstream.

Despite prior efforts by the Japan Water Works Association to monitor PFAS, the surveys primarily targeted large water utilities serving over 5,000 people.

As of March 2023, Japan had approximately 1,300 large-scale water utilities, 2,380 small-scale systems, and 8,170 private water supplies, said the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism.

A 2022 environment ministry study covering rivers and groundwater in 38 prefectures found PFAS levels exceeding government targets in 16 prefectures. The upcoming survey will provide a more comprehensive understanding of PFAS contamination across the country. Enditem

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