About PFAS and Water Quality

Infographic of PFAS information

Why Am I Hearing About PFAS?

The State of California and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are implementing new regulations to address PFAs in drinking water. Recent state and federal regulatory changes require water providers, including Sweetwater Authority, to increase monitoring efforts by 2027 and comply with new standards by 2029. Sweetwater Authority is committed to transparency and solutions to ensure safe drinking water for its customers

SWA_info_Timeline_v3

Customers may have concerns about water safety and personal water use and minimizing PFAS risk, after hearing about the updated testing results. Because PFAS is so widespread in our environment, it makes it hard to completely avoid them. The EPA has developed resources for ways to reduce PFAS risk, Steps to Reduce PFAS Risk. If customers decide to purchase water filters for drinking water, the EPA has developed recommendations in their latest fact sheet. Tips include:  

  • Look for filters that specifically remove PFAS through reverse osmosis or activated carbon filters. 
  • Check the labels for NSF/ANSI Standard 53 and 58 certifications. 
  • Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation and regular filter replacement to ensure optimal performance.

  1. What are PFAS and where do they come from? How did PFAS end up in our water? Why are we hearing about it now?
  2. We have several sources of water in Sweetwater Authority service area: the reservoirs, the wells, and the desal plant? Are they all affected by this?
  3. Who is responsible for PFAS contamination? Is Sweetwater Authority pursuing legal action against the manufacturers of PFAS?
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  1. What are the known effects of having PFAs in your water?
  2. What actions could community members take to minimize exposure to PFAS? What home filtration options are available for community members concerned about PFAS exposure?
  3. Does Sweetwater Authority sample water all the way to customer taps? Is there any way for homeowners to have their water tested for PFAS at home?
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