Decentralized Water Risk Mitigation as a National Public Health Strategy: Reducing PF AS Exposure Through Household-Level Intervention in the United States

Abstract This paper proposes a decentralized framework for mitigating water-related public health risks in the United States, with a specific focus on reducing human exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) through household-level interventions. While regulatory efforts have primarily targeted large-scale water systems, persistent contamination and infrastructure limitations continue to expose millions of individuals to unsafe drinking water. This study introduces a preventive public health strategy centered on empowering households with accessible, cost-effective filtration technologies and educational tools to reduce exposure at the point of use. By shifting part of the mitigation responsibility from centralized systems to individuals and communities, this model enhances resilience, accelerates risk reduction, and complements existing regulatory frameworks. The proposed approach integrates environmental science, public health policy, and behavioral education, offering a scalable solution to address widespread contamination. This framework highlights the critical role of decentralized intervention in protecting vulnerable populations and advancing national water safety strategies.