Thurston PUD - Water Systems

Frequently Asked Questions About PFAS

Click on the questions below to see the answer.

1. What are PFAS and where have they been used?

2. What is the concern with PFAS?

3. How are people exposed to PFAS?

4. What are the health concerns with PFAS?

5. How did PFAS get into drinking water?

6. What is DOH doing about this issue?

7. What is the PUD doing about this issue?

8. What do I need to do?

9. How do I remove PFAS from my drinking water?

10. Who is responsible for regulating PFAS in drinking water?

11. Where can I get more information?

12. Who can I contact for more information?

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1. What are PFAS and where have they been used?

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large family of chemicals in use since the 1950s to make a wide variety of stain-resistant, water-resistant, and non-stick consumer products. Some examples include food packaging, outdoor clothing, and non-stick pans. PFAS also have many industrial uses because of their special properties. In Washington State, PFAS have been used in certain types of firefighting foams used by the U.S. military, local fire departments, and airports.

2. What is the concern with PFAS?

PFAS are a public health concern because they:

Don't break down in water, soil, or air.
Can easily travel large distances.
Buildup in animals, fish, birds, plants, and people.
Can impact human health.

PFAS have been discovered above recommended federal and state levels in the drinking water supplies around the nation, including in Washington State. In humans, it can take many years for PFAS to leave our bodies. As a result, exposure to levels above recommended limits over time may lead to harmful health effects.

3. How are people exposed to PFAS?

People are primarily exposed to PFAS by:

Drinking water containing PFAS.
Eating food that contain PFAS.
Using products that contain PFAS, such as stain- and water-proofing sprays, stain-resistant carpeting, water-repellant clothing and leather goods, and cosmetics.

People can also be exposed by:

Unintentionally swallowing soil or indoor dust that contain PFAS.
Breathing PFAS in indoor or outdoor air, especially in industrial areas. We don't have PFAS manufacturers in Washington.

4. What are the health concerns with PFAS?

Scientists are still studying how PFAS affect people's health. Current public health recommendations to limit PFAS exposure are typically based on studies on lab animals and humans that have been exposed to PFAS. These studies suggest that higher exposure to certain PFAS may lead to:

Increased cholesterol levels.
Decreased birth weights.
Decreased immune response to vaccines.
Changes in liver enzymes that indicate liver damage.
Increased risk of thyroid disease.
Increased risk of testicular and kidney cancer.

5. How did PFAS get into drinking water?

PFAS can get into drinking water if they are made, used, disposed of, or spilled near your water source. Because PFAS do not break down during natural processes, they may remain in water supplies for years.

Examples of sources include:

· Landfills

· Manufacturing that contains PFAS

· Firefighting foam used at airports, military bases and other sources

· Wastewater

6. What is DOH doing about this issue?

The Washington State Board of Health (WSBOH) has set a State Action Level (SAL) for 5 types of PFAS.

DOH State Action Levels
PFAS Contaminant	SAL (ppt)*
PFOA - perfluorooctanoic acid	10
PFOS - perfluorooctane sulfonic acid	15
PFHxS - perfluorohexane sulfonic acid	65
PFNA - perfluorononanoic acid	9
PFBS - perfluorobutane sulfonic acid	345

*Parts Per Trillion (ppt)

The SAL was created to protect people, including sensitive groups, from harmful health effects of drinking water with PFAS over a long period of time.

Other efforts to address PFAS Contamination are:

· The Department of Ecology and Department of Health have developed a Chemical Action Plan to address exposure of PFAS to people. This document includes recommendations to further mitigate PFAS in drinking water and use in products.

· Washington State Legislature has restricted the use of PFAS in fire fighting foam and personal protective equipment. Fire fighting foam is a suspected source of drinking water contamination around airports, military bases and fire training locations.

· Washington State Legislature restricted use of PFAS in food contact paper, food wrappers, liners, plates, food boats, pizza boxes starting in February 2023.

· The Legislature is also restricting the use of PFAS in other consumer products.

· The Washington State Board of Health requires that all Group A public water systems test for PFAS.

The testing will help us:

· Understand which of our water systems is affected by PFAS.

· Ensure our customers are notified.

· Understand how to best assist our customers.

· Understand how to move forward.

7. What is the PUD doing about this issue?

The PUD is working with the Department of Health to monitor the situation and determine the next steps.

My Water System had Detections Over the SAL

If you water system’s PFAS detection levels were over the State Action Level (SAL), the PUD will seek grant funding at the earliest possible time to install treatment on your system. You should have received a letter from the PUD with more information.

My Water System had Detection Under the SAL

If your water system’s PFAS detections levels were under the SAL, the Department is requiring us to monitor your water systems PFAS levels. You should receive a letter from the PUD with more information.

8. What do I need to do?

There is nothing required of you at this time.

The PUD will work closely with the Department of Health to monitor your water system and determine next steps.

Please visit DOH’s dedicated PFAS page for more information: https://doh.wa.gov/community-and-environment/contaminants/pfas

9. How do I remove PFAs from my drinking water?

Water treatment units that use granular activated carbon, ion exchange, or reverse osmosis can remove PFAS. Choose a treatment system that is certified by NSF International. It is important to install and maintain your treatment unit as directed by the manufacturer.

10. Who is responsible for regulating PFAS in drinking water?

In Washington State, the State Board of Health is responsible for setting the State Action Levels. The Department of Health, Office of Drinking Water is responsible for enforcing regulation.