In 2023, Professor Damian Helbling began receiving calls and messages from residents alarmed about chemicals in nearby waters after the Environmental Protection Agency announced tighter limits on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. Neighbors in and around the Finger Lakes region asked whether ponds, streams and lakes in their communities contained the so-called “forever chemicals” and how those concentrations compared across the landscape.
In response, Helbling and his collaborators compiled and synthesized available measurements into what they describe as the first in-depth map of PFAS across the Finger Lakes watershed. The resource brings together surface-water results from multiple sites to provide a geographically detailed picture of where these compounds have been detected and where data remain sparse. Organizers say the map aims to make monitoring information more accessible to non-specialists as well as technical users.
PFAS have been associated with a range of health concerns in scientific literature, prompting regulatory action on drinking-water standards. The map does not itself set standards, but it places monitoring results in context so that residents, water managers and local officials can see patterns across counties and water bodies. By highlighting concentrations and geographic gaps, the tool can help prioritize further sampling and follow-up by public-health authorities.
The mapping effort reflects a broader demand from communities for clearer information about environmental risks and water safety. By aggregating available data into a single reference, Helbling’s project provides a baseline for ongoing surveillance and discussion among stakeholders in the Finger Lakes area. Continued testing and transparent sharing of results will determine how the map is used to inform local responses and resource planning.
