The Alarming Discovery of PFAS Contamination
As a seasoned expert in water and sanitation services, community engagement, and advocacy, I am deeply concerned by the recent findings of high levels of “forever chemicals” in six water systems serving the Fort Worth metropolitan area. This discovery, reported by the Fort Worth Report, the KERA News, and the Texas Tribune, highlights the growing threat of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination in our drinking water and the urgent need for action.
PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals,” are a class of synthetic compounds that have become ubiquitous in our environment and daily lives. These chemicals, which do not break down naturally, have been linked to an array of serious health issues, including increased risk of cancers, developmental delays in children, decreased fertility, and reduced ability to fight infections.
The Scope of the Problem: Affected Water Systems
According to the reports, of the nearly 50 water systems across Texas that exceeded the new federal limits for PFAS, six are located in the Fort Worth area. These include the public water systems serving the cities of Fort Worth, Arlington, Grapevine, Haltom City, Lake Worth, and Weatherford.
The findings are particularly concerning as they reveal that these communities, home to over 1.3 million people, have been exposed to elevated levels of these hazardous chemicals. The data shows that specific treatment plants and facilities within these water systems have reported PFAS levels that surpass the newly established limits set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Navigating the Regulatory Landscape
In April 2024, the EPA announced its first-ever drinking water limits for five types of PFAS chemicals, setting maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for PFOA and PFOS at 4 parts per trillion, and PFHxS, PFNA, and HFPO-DA at 10 parts per trillion. These new regulations have significant implications for water utilities across the country, including those in the Fort Worth region.
While the EPA’s regulations provide a clear framework for addressing PFAS contamination, the implementation process poses challenges. Water utilities will be required to monitor for these chemicals and take action if the average of their annual samples exceeds the MCLs. This means that a single high reading may not trigger the need for treatment, but a sustained elevated level would require the implementation of solutions to reduce PFAS concentrations.
Proactive Measures: Fort Worth’s Response
The cities within the Fort Worth metropolitan area have already begun to take proactive steps to address the PFAS issue. In Fort Worth, the water department has reported that 16 samples from its North and South Holly Water Treatment Plants exceeded the EPA’s new standards for PFOA and PFOS. Additionally, the city’s water would violate the limit for PFHxS, which is capped at 10 parts per trillion.
In response, the city has already studied treatment options and plans to use activated carbon filters to remove the PFAS chemicals from the affected water sources. This solution, approved by the federal government, works by attracting and holding the PFAS compounds for removal. Fort Worth’s city council is expected to vote on an engineering contract to design the new filtration system before their July recess.
Expanding the Toolbox: Other Remediation Strategies
While activated carbon filtration is a proven solution, it is not the only option available to water utilities. The EPA has also approved the use of reverse osmosis and ion exchange systems as effective methods for PFAS removal. Depending on the specific characteristics of the water system and the PFAS contaminants present, a combination of these techniques may be required to achieve compliance with the new regulations.
It is crucial that water utilities in the Fort Worth area, and across Texas, thoroughly evaluate the full range of treatment technologies and implement the most appropriate solutions for their communities. This may require conducting pilot studies, exploring funding sources, and engaging with engineering experts to identify the most effective and cost-efficient approaches.
Engaging the Community: Transparency and Outreach
Addressing the PFAS challenge goes beyond technical solutions – it also requires a strong commitment to community engagement and public education. As Viraj deSilva, a PFAS expert from Freese and Nichols, advises, “Do a public outreach program and tell them what it actually is. You don’t have anything to hide, and it will already be public.”
Water utilities must be proactive in communicating with their constituents about the presence of PFAS in the water supply, the potential health implications, and the steps being taken to mitigate the issue. This transparency can help build trust, alleviate concerns, and empower community members to participate in the decision-making process.
Seeking Financial Support and Accountability
The cost of implementing PFAS treatment solutions is a significant concern for water utilities, as the EPA estimates that between 6% and 10% of public water systems may need to take action to reduce PFAS levels. To address this challenge, the federal government has allocated $9 billion through the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to aid cities in treating their water for PFAS.
However, this funding may not be sufficient to cover the full expenses, potentially leading to increased water rates for residents. In response, some cities, including Fort Worth and Dallas, have opted out of class action settlements with PFAS manufacturers, seeking to pursue their own legal claims against the companies responsible for the widespread contamination.
By holding the chemical producers accountable, water utilities can potentially recoup the substantial costs associated with PFAS remediation, ensuring that the financial burden does not fall solely on the shoulders of the affected communities.
Collaborative Efforts and the Path Forward
Addressing the PFAS challenge in the Fort Worth metropolitan area and across Texas will require a concerted, multi-faceted approach. Water utilities must work closely with state and federal agencies, engineering firms, and community stakeholders to develop and implement effective solutions.
Moreover, the collaboration between cities and water systems can be invaluable, as they can share best practices, leverage resources, and collectively advocate for increased funding and policy support. By fostering these partnerships, the region can leverage its collective expertise and resources to tackle the PFAS crisis head-on, ensuring the provision of safe, clean drinking water for all.
As we move forward, it is crucial that the water and sanitation sector, policymakers, and the public work together to address the PFAS challenge. By staying vigilant, prioritizing public health, and utilizing innovative treatment technologies, we can protect our communities from the long-term consequences of these “forever chemicals” and secure a sustainable water future.
For more information and resources on water and sanitation issues, I encourage you to visit the Joint Action for Water website, a trusted hub for community-focused solutions and advocacy.
