Show All Answers

1. 1. How did PFAS end up in our water?

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of man-made chemicals used in various industrial and consumer products, known for their resistance to water, oil, and heat. Although useful in many applications, PFAS can persist in the environment and accumulate in the body over time, potentially leading to health risks. Recent studies suggest that even low levels of certain PFAS in drinking water may pose risks, prompting the EPA to update its standards. 

2. 2. Why is the EPA updating PFAS standards?

Prolonged exposure to high levels of PFAS is believed to result in negative health effects including links to liver damage, immune system impacts, and certain cancers. EPA was not sure what level is safe for drinking water and as a result decided to lower the previously established standard from 70 parts per trillion to 4 parts per trillion. This was as close to zero as EPA could legally set the limit and is the equivalent of one drop of PFAS in five Olympic sized swimming pools. You can click here to be directed to the EPA website for more information about what the agency has done over the years to track PFAS.  

3. 3. When does Sweetwater Authority need to comply with the new EPA standards?

Sweetwater Authority must be compliant with these requirements by April 2029.

4. 4. What is Sweetwater Authority doing to comply with the new EPA standards?

Our agency is proactively working to meet the upcoming standards before they are officially required. We are increasing our water testing efforts to determine what advanced treatment solutions and/or new technologies are needed to reduce PFAS levels. Once we have firm, clear data on the levels in our water supply reservoirs, we can develop options for mitigating the problem. We intend to use this process to meet or exceed the anticipated regulations well in advance. 

5. 5. How will I know if there is PFAS in my drinking water?

We are committed to transparency and will regularly update customers on our website, through email alerts and in community meetings. Any significant changes in PFAS levels or water safety will be promptly communicated to you. To stay up to date with the latest information, please sign up for our email updates. We also have multiple ways for you to become involved.  

You can: 

• Attend a meeting: public meeting, working group, etc. Meeting information coming soon. 
• Sign up for our email list. 
• Call us at our dedicated phone line for inquiries related to this topic at (619) 409-6786  
• For inquiries related to this topic, email us at PFAS@sweetwater.org. 

6. 6. Is my drinking water safe right now?

Yes, your water is safe to drink and meets all current federal and state standards and guidelines. We are required to comply with the new EPA standard by April 2029. We’re doing our best to get ahead of this deadline by proactively testing to ensure we’re tracking any significant changes to the levels of PFAS in the water.  

7. 7. What steps should I take if I am concerned about PFAS in my water?

If you have specific health concerns related to PFAS, please contact a doctor.

8. 8. How will these changes impact my water bill?

The cost of implementing new treatment solutions may impact water rates over time. We are working to minimize these costs and will communicate any potential changes well in advance, keeping affordability and transparency top of mind. 

9. 9. Where can I get more information about PFAS and the new standards?

For more information, you can visit the EPA’s PFAS webpage or attend our upcoming workshops and meetings where our team will answer questions and provide ongoing updates. Links and meeting details will be available on our website. 

10. 10. Is Sweetwater Authority pursuing legal action against the manufacturers of PFAS?

Sweetwater Authority has settled with some PFAS manufactures for money to contend with the PFAS in the system in the multidistrict litigation against the PFAS manufacturers. The Authority has currently settled with 3M, DuPont, Tyco and BASF. The Authority has also filed lawsuits against other manufacturers who have not yet settled outstanding claims and who contributed to the introduction of PFAS into the environment and the Authority’s water supply.

11. 11. What are PFAS and where do they come from?

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a family of more than 15,000 chemicals widely used in consumer products that resist heat, oils, stains and water, such as carpets, clothing, furniture fabrics, paper packaging for food and other materials. Two types of PFAS – PFOA and PFOS – are the most commonly used, studied and regulated PFAS chemicals in the U.S. 

To learn more about PFAS, you can visit the CDC’s Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry website here or the EPA’s website here.  

12. 12. Is my water still safe for drinking, cleaning, cooking and irrigation of my garden and plants?

Yes, you are safe to use your tap water as normal. At Sweetwater Authority, we are taking action by:   

• Trying to determine the source of the PFAS to prevent it from further contaminating our water sources.  
• Increasing testing and monitoring for PFAS and keeping the community informed of the results.   

We will be:   

• Considering building a purification facility that will use the best available technology to remove PFAS from our water supply and properly dispose of it. 
• Pursuing all possible cost saving measures to offset the cost of needed infrastructure.