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HomeMy WebLinkAboutF-3.1. Detection of PFOA in the GroundwaterINFORMATIONAL ITEM F-3 TO: HONORABLE CHAIRPERSON AND MEMBERS OF THE AZUSA UTILITY BOARD FROM: TIKAN SINGH, GENERAL MANAGER DATE: MAY 22, 2023 SUBJECT: DETECTION OF PERFLUOROOCTANOIC ACID (PFOA) IN THE GROUNDWATER BACKGROUND: Pursuant to Section 116455 of the California Health and Safety Code, Azusa Light and Water is required to notify and inform its governing body that the subject drinking water well has exceeded the Notification Level for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), an unregulated fluorinated organic compound. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is one of a group of related chemicals known as perfluorinated alkylated substances (PFAS). This group of chemicals is commonly used in non-stick and stain-resistant consumer products, food packaging, fire-fighting foam, and industrial processes. The EPA is leading the national effort to understand PFAS and reduce PFAS risks to the public. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of synthetic chemicals that have been in use since the 1940s. PFAS are found in a wide array of consumer and industrial products. PFAS manufacturing and processing facilities, facilities using PFAS in production of other products, airports, and military installations are some of the potential contributors of PFAS releases into the air, soil, and water. Due to their widespread use and persistence in the environment, most people in the United States have been exposed to PFAS. There is evidence that continued exposure above specific levels to certain PFAS may lead to adverse health effects. PFOA is not regulated by the California State Water Resources Control Board Department of Drinking Water (DDW) and no Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) has been established. DDW has established a Notification Level, or a health-based advisory level, for chemicals in drinking water that lack an MCL. The current Notification Level for PFOA is 5.1 parts per trillion. Approved Utility Board 05/22/2023 Water Quality Update May 22, 2023 Page 2 RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends the Utility Board take the following action: 1) Receive and file Staff’s report - Detection of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in the groundwater. ANALYSIS: The purpose is to inform you on the presence of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in the groundwater that is served to Azusa Light & Water customers. Following the Main San Gabriel Basin Watermaster’s request for a one-time PFAS baseline sample at ALW sources and wells, it was determined that the notification level for PFOA has been exceeded in the samples collected from one of ALW water supply wells (Well 1) – 5.9 nanograms per liter (ng/l) also known as parts per trillion (ppt) in the initial sample collected on February 9, 2023 and 5.6 ppt in the confirmation sample collected on March 29, 2023. ALW Staff was notified of the 2nd sample results on May 1, 2023. To put this into perspective, 1 part per trillion is equivalent to a single drop of water in twenty (20) Olympic size swimming pools. For ALW Well Number 1 it would be 5.6 drops in 20 Olympic size pools. The notification level for PFOA is 5.1 ppt. The response level for PFOA is 10 ppt. “Notification level” means the concentration level of a contaminant in drinking water delivered for human consumption that the department has determined, based on available scientific information, does not pose a significant health risk but warrants notification pursuant to this section. Notification levels are nonregulatory, health-based advisory levels established by the department for contaminants in drinking water for which maximum contaminant levels have not been established. Notification levels are established as precautionary measures for contaminants that may be considered candidates for establishment of maximum contaminant levels, but have not yet undergone or completed the regulatory standard setting process prescribed for the development of maximum contaminant levels and are not drinking water standards. “Response level” means the concentration of a contaminant in drinking water delivered for human consumption at which the department recommends that additional steps, beyond notification pursuant to this section, be taken to reduce public exposure to the contaminant. Response levels are established in conjunction with notification levels for contaminants that may be considered candidates for establishment of maximum contaminant levels, but have not yet undergone or completed the regulatory standard setting process prescribed for the development of maximum contaminant levels and are not drinking water standards. PFOA has been extensively produced and studied in the United States. This manmade substance has been synthesized for water and lipid resistance. It has been used extensively in consumer products such as carpets, clothing, fabrics for furniture, paper packaging for food, and other materials (e.g., cookware) designed to be waterproof, stain-resistant or non-stick. In addition, it has been used in fire-retarding foam and various industrial processes. The current evaluation of recent human and animal toxicity data, exposure to PFOA in tap water over certain levels may result in adverse health effects including hepatotoxicity, immunotoxicity, thyroid toxicity, reproductive toxicity, and cancer (pancreatic and liver). Water Quality Update May 22, 2023 Page 3 If a chemical is present in drinking water that is provided to consumers at concentrations considerably greater than the notification level, and the response level, DDW recommends that the drinking water system take the source out of service. However, at this time the water system is continuing to monitor the levels and has not exceeded the response level at this time. Additional information will be provided to ALW customers in the Azusa Light and Water Consumer Confidence Report that comes out next year. Well Number 1 will continue to operate as allowed by DDW and ALW will continue to conduct the required monitoring and sampling per the State requirements. In the event that the levels of PFAS continue to increase, in the future it may become necessary to construct a water treatment facility to reduce the level of contaminant in the water or remove it completely. The purpose of this staff report is to comply with the DDW regulations that include notification. The regulations do not require that the well be taken out of service at this time. If you have any questions or concerns, please call Water Treatment Supervisor Carlos Solis at 626-812- 5080 or Assistant General Manager Water Operations Melissa Barbosa at (626) 812-5173. FISCAL IMPACT There is no fiscal impact at this time. In the future it may become necessary to construct a water treatment facility to reduce the level of contaminant in the water or remove it completely to meet the State and Federal water ever changing water regulations. Prepared by: Prepared by: Carlos Solis Melissa Barbosa, PE Water Treatment Supervisor Assistant General Manager Water Operations Reviewed and Approved: Tikan Singh General Manager Reviewed and Approved: Sergio Gonzalez City Manager