After finding forever chemicals in its drinking water, this Eastern Oregon city stopped testing for them

By Antonio Sierra | OBP | October 14, 2025

Read the full article by Antonio Sierra  (OBP)

"It’s been two years since Hermiston officials revealed Eastern Oregon’s largest city had “forever chemicals” in its water supply. It may be years more before Hermiston residents get more information about the discovery.

Exposure to PFAS has been linked to cancers, impacts to the liver and heart, and immune and developmental damage to infants and children, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Sometimes referred to as “forever chemicals” because of their resistance to degradation, perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, are a group of thousands of chemicals often associated with manufacturing and industrial products. Under orders from state and federal governments, Hermiston was among a slate of Oregon cities that tested for PFAS for the first time in 2023."

Location:

• North AmericaUS
• North AmericaUSOregon

Topics:

• ChemicalsPFAS
• ChemicalsPFOS
• Environment
• Wildlife
• ImpactDrinking water
• ImpactDrinking waterPrivate wells
• Affected community
• Health
• Measurement Techniques
• Monitoring Data