PFAS Information
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Background Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as "forever chemicals," are a large family of human-made 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 utilized by the U.S. military, local fire departments, and airports. PFAS are a public health concern because they (1) can impact human health, (2) can build up in animals, fish, birds, plants, and people, (3) don't break down in water, soil, or air, and (4) can travel large distances in water or air. Not all PFAS contaminants have the same impact on people or the environment. In 2020, PUD staff initially tested seven (7) wells within the PUD's service area after funding was provided from a Washington State Department of Ecology grant. These wells were considered to be at risk for PFAS contamination due to the aquifer location near Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM). There were no state or federal standards for PFAS in drinking water at the time. In 2021, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) considered adopting State Action Levels (SALs) and offered funding for PFAS testing. These PFAS SALs were adopted for five PFAS on January 1, 2022. PUD staff completed sampling at all of the PUD's Group A water systems by February 2022. One water system was over the SAL: the Lazy Acres 351 system. In April 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the final National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR) which establishes legally enforceable levels, called Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs), for six PFAS contaminant levels in drinking water. These regulations will supersede the SALs adopted by DOH in 2022, and the state SAL will be replaced by the federal EPA MCL in the future. Under the EPA MCL, Thurston PUD has ten water systems that are over the MCL. Because the PUD was an early implementer for testing, we were able to seek funding early on for PFAS contamination remediation projects ten (10) PUD water systems; six systems received loan forgiveness for work completed within two years once a contract is signed. We will request funding with loan forgiveness in 2024 by the end of November for the additional four (4) systems needing PFAS contamination remediation. Thurston PUD was able to secure $5.7 million in grant/loan forgiveness monies for projects for six (6) PUD water systems with PFAS levels above the federal MCL and will install PFAS remediation treatment. The PUD will continue to seek funding for PFAS contamination remediation projects for the four (4) other PUD systems testing over the federal MCL in the next funding request cycle in November 2024. Information on our PFAS contamination remediation projects can be reviewed by clicking on the link below to see information on all ten (10) PUD water systems that require PFAS remediation. Click here to review our Projects page, and cursor down to the Water Treatment/PFAS Contamination Remediation Projects (2025-2028) section under Current Capital Improvement Projects (CIP).
Frequently Asked Questions Quick on the link below for more information.
Helpful Resources Click on the link below to visit the different PFAS information pages created by each agency. |