PFAS Monitoring

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are a group of man-made chemicals applied to many consumer goods to make them waterproof, stain resistant, or nonstick. PFAS are also used in products like cosmetics, fast food packaging, and a type of firefighting foam called aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) which are used mainly on large spills of flammable liquids, such as jet fuel.  PFAS are classified as contaminants of emerging concern, meaning that research into the harm they may cause to human health is still ongoing. The most commonly studied PFAS are perfuorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA).

In the past, Del-Co Water has tested for PFAS chemicals.  In 2014, we sampled for 6 PFAS chemicals as part of the U.S. EPA UCMR3 monitoring.  In 2020, Del-Co again sampled for 6 PFAS chemicals as part of the Ohio EPA monitoring.  During both monitoring events, there were no PFAS chemicals detected. 

Since that time, there have been advancements in the analytical detection methods as well as the research on the potential health effects caused by the exposure to certain PFAS chemicals.  Consequently, Del-Co began a voluntary program to test for PFAS chemicals.  As the program has progressed, PFAS chemicals have been detected at very low concentrations in the tap water.  While present, these levels are not in violation of any MCL (maximum contaminant level), nor do they exceed any regulatory standard.

During 2023, we began sampling for the US EPA UCMR5 and have detected low levels of PFAS.  Click here for UCMR5 results.  Results are also shown below:

 

Source: City of Riverside, CA

In response to new research on potential health effects, the U.S. EPA issued new Lifetime Health Advisories for PFOA, PFOS, PFBS, and GenX.  It is important to note that Lifetime Health Advisories are non-regulatory, non-enforceable guidelines based on research in progress.  Follow this link to read the U.S. EPA press release: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-announces-new-drinking-water-health-advisories-pfas-chemicals-1-billion-bipartisan.

If you are concerned about your water quality, you may consider purchasing a NSF certified filter.  Generally, there are two types of filters that reduce PFAS in water; they are granular activated carbon (GAC) and reverse osmosis (RO).  If you have any questions, please contact Jeff Kauffman at 740-548-7746.

Please know that there is nothing more important at Del-Co than the quality of your drinking water.  That is why Del-Co is:

          ·  Voluntarily monitoring for PFAS chemicals

          ·   Actively exploring treatment options

          ·   Monitoring emerging regulations and research

          ·   Providing resources to our customers

Additional Resources

U.S. EPA FAQs:  https://www.epa.gov/sdwa/questions-and-answers-drinking-water-health-advisories-pfoa-pfos-genx-chemicals-and-pfbs

U.S. EPA Point of Use Filter Information:  https://www.epa.gov/sciencematters/epa-researchers-investigate-effectiveness-point-usepoint-entry-systems-remove-and

CDC PFAS Resources:  https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas/resources/index.html

Ohio EPA PFAS Resources:  https://epa.ohio.gov/monitor-pollution/pollution-issues/per-and-polyfluoroalkyl-substances-pfas