Concerns over per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or “PFAS”, have been in the news recently and LVMWD customers deserve to be in the know. Our commitment to  transparency and the delivery of safe, high quality water remains at the forefront of our mission.

PFAS, first developed in the 1940’s, are human-made substances commonly found in consumer products, such as non-stick pans, water resistant clothing, and food packaging. These substances are also present in firefighting foam, manufacturing industries, airports, and military facilities. They are considered extremely stable, meaning the compounds within the chemicals do not break down, lending them the name “forever
chemicals”.

As with just about anything, the prevalence of PFAS means that they eventually end up present in the environment. They are found in soil, air, surface and groundwater, wastewater, landfills, and even within the human body. While more than 7,800 types of PFAS have been discovered, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) are most commonly found in the U.S. These substances are the only two known carcinogens within the PFAS family, and have NOT been found in LVMWD drinking water.

As you know, LVMWD purchases 100% of our water supply from MWD who delivers it from the Sierra mountain snowpack through 400 miles of pipes and aqueducts. After years of periodic testing and improvements in testing technology, MWD discovered one form
of PFAS – perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) – in the drinking water supply. This substance is NOT a known carcinogen and is not yet regulated in the U.S.

LVMWD has not been required to test for PFAS at any source site or routine distribution site. However, in accordance with recent EPA regulations setting maximum contaminant levels on PFAS, LVMWD will be required to conduct testing during the 2024-2027 initial monitoring period and those results will be listed in the CCR starting in 2027 if it violates the MCL.