PFOS is one type of a larger group of synthetic chemicals called PFAS (EPA, 2017; Department of Health and Human Services, 2017). PFAS are known as ‘forever’ chemicals because their hydrophobic and lipophobic nature makes them hard to break down in the environment (Buttle, et al, 2023). They are also bad for human health, causing reproductive, developmental, and immune effects, among others (EPA, 2023). PFAS are used in numerous industries and products and can enter the water system through runoff or waste (Gaines, 2022, New Jersey Department of Public Health, 2024).

This paper investigated the communication surrounding PFAS in Willingboro, New Jersey. Willingboro Municipal Utilities Authority (WMUA) found PFOS in one of their wells in November 2021 (Willingboro Municipal Utilities Authority, 2021). In response, they sent out a series of letters and public notices that were mailed to community members over the course of the next few years (Willingboro Municipal Utilities Authority, 2024). Willingboro community members and employees of WMUA were interviewed in order to determine how effectiveness of this communication. However, I was unable to find enough participants for my study, so the conclusions made in this study are not generalizable. The two interviews conducted make it clear that a division of knowledge exists between the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), WMUA, and Willingboro community members. Further research using both tactics of community rapport and surveys are recommended to further evaluate the effectiveness of PFAS communication in Willingboro.