Limiting PFAS could be expensive for WA water plants

By Hal Bernton and Manuel Villa | The Seattle Times | March 15, 2023

Read the full article by Hal Bernton and Manuel Villa (The Seattle Times)

"The Environmental Protection Agency’s proposal Tuesday to regulate “forever chemicals” in drinking water could pose steep cleanup costs for public water systems across Washington.

More than 50 water systems in the state have recorded levels of PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, above the proposed limit, according to a Seattle Times analysis of well test results.

The long-anticipated rules cover six types of PFAS, which can leach into groundwater from firefighting foams and a multitude of other sources. The rules reflect scientific research indicating health risks that include disrupting the immune system, increasing the risk of prostate, kidney and testicular cancers, accelerated puberty in children and elevated cholesterol levels."