Concerns elsewhere in Yakima County about drinking water containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) prompted the City of Yakima to have its water tested for the substances. 

The City received test results last week and all samples came back with no detection of PFAS in the City of Yakima drinking water supply.

“We tested all of our sources; four wells and our surface water (Naches River),” said Water/Irrigation Manager Mike Shane. “The results showing PFAS not detected is great news, especially given the health and environmental concerns associated with these substances.”

Drinking water testing was conducted by Edge Analytical. “We asked the lab to test at stricter standards proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),” Shane said. “The City is being proactive with this testing in anticipation of EPA’s proposed rule, which may take effect in late or 2023 or 2024.”

The EPA is proposing a National Primary Drinking Water Regulation to establish legally enforceable levels, called Maximum Contaminant Levels, for six PFAS in drinking water. Information about EPA’s proposed rule is available at Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) | US EPA

According to the EPA, PFAS are widely used, long lasting chemicals, components of which break down very slowly over time. Scientific studies have shown that exposure to some PFAS in the environment may be linked to harmful health effects in humans and animals, the EPA notes.

More from the EPA about PFAS is available at PFAS Explained | US EPA

The Washington State Department of Health offers PFAS information and related videos at https://doh.wa.gov/community-and-environment/contaminants/pfas

For more information about the recent testing, contact Water/Irrigation Manager Mike Shane at 509-576-6480.

Click Water and Irrigation – City of Yakima (yakimawa.gov) for more about the City’s drinking water and irrigation services.