2020 PFAS Sampling Project - Update
In my last program manager’s message, I wrote about why we included several PFAS chemicals in a priority list of contaminants that we submitted to the Water Quality Control Commission, which they approved in October. PFAS is short for per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances, which are a group of chemicals often found in firefighting foam and other products. When PFAS gets into drinking water, it can cause various health impacts that we are working to minimize. Today I want to talk about what we’re doing to learn more about the scope of the problem in Colorado. Our PFAS sampling project is a major initiative to learn more about who is at risk from PFAS contamination. This program offers free PFAS testing to public water systems along with help understanding the results and communicating them to customers. This project is being executed from January to June 2020.
Federal Health Advisory
Since 2012, 94 public water systems (mostly serving above 10,000 people) in Colorado have tested for PFAS. Only a few found levels above the federal health advisory (70 ppt), all in the Colorado Springs area. All of those systems acted to eliminate PFAS levels in their drinking water. Through this sampling program, we will reach many more systems. For most, the program will be an opportunity to show their customers that their water is free from PFAS. If systems find that they have PFAS contamination, we will work with them through the challenges to find solutions.
Right now, the department is following the federal health advisory, so if testing shows levels above that, the department will coordinate with the water system to promptly notify the public and identify options to reduce exposure. However, the department is evaluating whether to modify this approach, so our response protocol may change in the future.
Public interest
The sampling project has generated public interest. We’ve heard from state legislators, the media, and local governments wanting to know about public water system participation. To be transparent, we’re maintaining lists of participating and non-participating water systems on our website. Check out the PFAS 2020 Sampling Project dashboard to see who has applied. In Michigan, all but a few public water systems signed up for their voluntary sampling program.
So far, about 400 water systems have signed up. That’s a great start, but we’re hoping to hear from everyone. We learned that our emails regarding the program went into some people’s spam folder, so we are reaching out again with a different email mechanism to inform water systems about this program. If your water system hasn’t signed up yet, do it now using our online PFAS Sampling application form.
Stay informed
We’ll keep you updated about the sampling plan here, and share what we’ve learned from the results once they come in. If you are interested in staying up-to-date on this project, sign-up for the email list. We will send out updates and reminders regarding applications and other important details.
Please note: We use a third party provider to send stakeholder information and emails from our cdphe.commentswqcd@state.co.us email address. If you are not receiving updates and have checked your spam folder, please consider checking your firewall or cyber security settings. You can also email us and we can troubleshoot with you.
➽ Ron Falco, safe drinking water program manager and Ian Dickson, communications and special projects
