PFAS and the Camas Water System

**Update 4/12/24**

You may or may not have heard the recent news regarding the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) publishing their new rules on Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) levels in drinking water. The rule, established under the Safe Drinking Water Act, will help reduce exposure to PFAS for approximately 100 million people nationwide. However, it is widely recognized the new rule and regulations will pose a significant challenge to water providers.

The good news is that the City of Camas has been preparing for this ruling, and feel we are as prepared as possible, given the dynamics of the PFAS conversation at a state and national level. We have a team in place, we have solid sampling and monitoring results, we’re just beginning work on development of a management plan, we’re getting a better handle on potential funding resources – and we finally have certainty regarding our target treatment levels and what EPA deems to be “safe drinking water.”

We will provide more information as the State, our regional partners and staff begin to understand the ruling better. We’ll also be working to get an initial notice out to the public that reiterates where Camas is at in our overall process and where we’re headed. In the meantime, please visit these links to learn more information about the recent EPA Ruling. https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/biden-harris-administration-finalizes-first-ever-national-drinking-water-standard https://doh.wa.gov/newsroom/washington-state-will-move-forward-adopt-us-environmental-protection-agencys-new-federal-regulation

**Updated 12/27/23**

Water System Plan (WSP) Amendment for PFAS - The City is in the process of amending the WSP to add language about PFAS testing requirements by the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) and EPA for sources that test above the State Action Level (SAL) and proposed EPA Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL). A high-level risk assessment and PFAS screening to guide the City on immediate and near term mitigation actions for reducing PFAS from well sources will be included. Mitigation measures will include treatment options and capital and operations and maintenance costs for impacted sources. The amendment will allow the City to apply for state and federal grants related to PFAS design and construction.

PFAS Evaluation and Well 13 Treatment Design - The City is in the process of selecting a consultant team to complete a more in-depth risk assessment for the City’s water sources and look at possible sources of PFAS contamination in the city’s groundwater supply. The assessment will aid the City in determining potential mitigation measures including options such as treatment of current sources or the potential need to look for new water sources in different areas. Also included in this effort will be design of a treatment system specifically for Well 13 that can be used to obtain contractor bids to construct the project. The City expects the consultant team to be on board by February 2024 and the City is requesting that the selected team move as fast as possible in completing the work.

PFAS Lawsuit Information - Various PFAS manufacturers were sued in a class-action lawsuit brought on behalf of water systems across the Country. Recently, the federal court in South Carolina, where the cases and settlements are being handled, approved multi-billion dollar settlements involving two of the largest producers of PFAS chemicals: 3M and DuPont. These settlements resolve claims for PFAS contamination specifically against 3M and Dupont in water systems, but there may be additional settlements against other producers in the future. The 3M and Dupont settlements are structured so that every eligible water system in the Country is automatically included as a “class member” in the case unless the water system submits a formal “opt out” request to the court. In 2023, the City of Camas elected to be represented by one of the primary legal firms litigating the case and participating in the settlement negotiations and has continued to maintain our status of a Class Member. Some of the additional testing and monitoring shown on our EngageCamas site was completed in coordination with the class-action lawsuit. The level of PFAS in Camas’ water system is extremely low compared to many other systems throughout the Country, which will likely mean our share of the overall settlement will be relatively less; however, we expect the funds from the settlement will be a sizable contribution towards future PFAS treatment needs.

**Updated 10/10/23**

Well 13 has now been shut off for the season. We will inform the public if/when Well 13 is active once again.

FAQ -Is our water safe to drink and bathe in?

The low levels of PFAS found in our water supply are slightly above recommended limits in state and federal guidance. According to DOH, if you have been drinking water with PFAS above a state action level (SAL), that does not mean you will get sick or have health problems. If you are concerned about potential health impacts from exposure to PFAS, please contact your health provider. Because the water supply at each home is a combination of water from a variety of wells, we are currently unable to provide information on which areas of the City may have detectable levels of PFAS in your tap water. However, the City is completing additional testing throughout the system and will continue to update our information page with test results so you are able to make informed decisions. Please feel free to check back regularly. For more FAQs please visit https://engagecamas.com/21559/widgets/70670/documents/46966

PFAS and the Camas Water Supply

The City has been working hard to stay on top of the emerging and technically complex perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination issue. We have been listening to the public’s input and questions and want to assure everyone that providing safe and effective services – of all types - to our customers is our highest priority.

Many of us at the City live in this community and use the same source of water every day. We’re aware this is an uncomfortable topic for many as there is still a lot that is unknown by the experts. Resident health is paramount, and we are being proactive on this topic. We’re working to understand both the current situation that recent State regulations and testing of the system have brought to light, and any potential future impacts to our water.

PFAS in general, and the potential impacts to water sources is an ever-evolving discussion. Additionally, as with every project or expense the City takes on, we want to take prudent, measured actions that use your money wisely, while also working to leverage state and Federal sources when possible.

We have provided an FAQ, which we will update periodically, to help answer some of the questions you may have. In addition, we have provided links to outside sources that have more information on PFAS. Finally, you can ask us questions below. Please note, it may take staff a few business days to respond, but we will respond! Additionally, some questions may be answered in private depending on the nature of the question and whether or not a similar response has already been provided in regards to another question!

Current Progress:

Evaluating Options. We continue talking with Department of Health officials and experts in the industry to review potential treatment options. Likewise, we continue evaluating the potential need for additional or different sources and ways to potentially limit the amount of water with known PFAS concentrations that is sent to our customers.

Tracking Nation-Wide Discussions. PFAS is an extremely complex and ever-evolving topic. Experts around the Nation and world continue investigating potential sources of PFAS and potential impacts to public health and the environment. Additionally, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is still deliberating on a potential new Nation-wide rule that will set new standards for PFAS in drinking water - it is vital we understand and monitor this closely as we look to the future!

Using the Public's Funds Wisely. The City is tracking potential State and Federal Grant opportunities to assist with the PFAS process. The City also has legal representation to assist with the many potential settlements against the companies that manufacture and used PFAS in their products that have since impacted water sources throughout the world.

Sampling and Monitoring the System. We are working hard to determine the extent of PFAS in the Water System! Testing is ongoing not only at our Well Sites, but also throughout the City to determine the extent of PFAS that may or may not be reaching our customers. See below for the most up to date information regarding testing and results.

*Please note, the City tests for numerous Perfluorinated Compounds that fall under PFAS, we will only show results that are detectable.

Well Locations: