Washougal detects toxic ‘forever chemicals’ in drinking water

PORTLAND, Ore. ( KOIN ) – The City of Washougal announced small amounts of toxic “forever chemicals” were found in the city’s drinking water, prompting an investigation into the source.

Routine drinking water testing between February and March found “trace levels” of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the water supply that were slightly above newly established federal guidelines, the city announced on June 25.

PFAS are a group of synthetic chemicals that have been commonly used since the 1940s in products such as water-resistant clothing, non-stick cookware, and fast-food packaging, the city explained.

They are also known as “forever chemicals” for their inability to break down easily in the environment, officials said — noting the chemicals can accumulate and persist for extended periods of time.

In April, the United States Environmental Protection Agency set the first-ever nationwide limits for PFAS levels in drinking water to four parts per trillion.

“For perspective, 1 part per trillion translates to 1 second in approximately 32,000 years or a single drop of water in 20 Olympic-sized swimming pools,” the City of Washougal explained. “The recommended limits are based on long-term exposure to PFAS throughout a person’s life and represent a conservative level at which no adverse impacts are expected over a lifetime of drinking the water, even in health-sensitive populations.”

The city said even though the detected PFAS levels were below State Action Levels determined by the Washington State Department of Health, the trace amounts still prompted public notification.

“The health and safety of our residents are our top priorities,” Public Works Director Trevor Evers said in the June 25 announcement. “Upon detecting these low levels of PFAS, we have taken immediate steps to ensure our drinking water remains safe and compliant with regulatory standards.”

Since discovering the elevated levels of the toxic chemicals, the city said it is continuing to monitor water quality levels at its six wells across its service area, and said scientists are investigating potential sources of PFAS and the extent of the chemicals in the local groundwater supply.

Additionally, the city is planning on investing in PFAS treatments.

“We are committed to transparency and proactive communication with our residents,” said David Scott, city manager. “Regular updates on PFAS testing results and our ongoing efforts to address this issue will be readily available to ensure our community remains informed.”

Nearly all people in the United States have measurable amounts of PFAS in their blood, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry .

Additionally, the EPA has reported several health concerns associated with PFAS exposure, including increased risk of certain cancers, developmental delays or effects in children, and reproductive issues such as decreased fertility.

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