What are the known effects of having PFAs in your water?

Current scientific research suggests that exposure to certain PFAS may lead to adverse health outcomes. However, research is still ongoing to determine how different levels of exposure to different PFAS can lead to a variety of health effects. Research is also underway to better understand the health effects associated with low levels of exposure to PFAS over long periods of time, especially in children. Current peer-reviewed scientific studies have shown that exposure to certain levels of PFAS may lead to: 

  • Reproductive effects such as decreased fertility or increased high blood pressure in pregnant women. 
  • Developmental effects or delays in children, including low birth weight, accelerated puberty, bone variations, or behavioral changes. 
  • Increased risk of some cancers, including prostate, kidney, and testicular cancers. 
  • Reduced ability of the body’s immune system to fight infections, including reduced vaccine response. 
  • Interference with the body’s natural hormones. 
  • Increased cholesterol levels and/or risk of obesity.

*Source Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website 

Show All Answers

1. What are the known effects of having PFAs in your water?
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. What is the source of water for customers in National City?
4. Are the National City groundwater wells affected by PFAS?
5. If National City’s main sources of water (Richard A. Reynolds and National City wells) aren’t impacted by PFAS, why is Sweetwater Authority is addressing this across our service area?
6. How did we conduct outreach to residents to let them know about PFAS education and these meetings?
7. I want to ensure National City and South County residents stay informed. I'm concerned about long-term costs. Will Sweetwater Authority maintain monitoring if EPA funding ends?
8. When and where can we view the video of tonight’s meeting and the presentation tonight?
9. Are you still planning to post a list of questions/answers from each community workshop on the PFAS webpage?
10. Is there a map that shows where water treated from Sweetwater Reservoir is delivered to customers’ tap under normal operating conditions?
11. Is National City drinking water free from PFAS?
12. Sweetwater Authority to make capital improvements for long-term treatment. How would these costs be allocated? Would customers be the ones paying for this?
13. When would Sweetwater Authority have a long-term solution identified?
14. What are the costs of imported water when compared to the Perdue Water Treatment Plant?
15. What was the most recent water rate increases for San Diego County Water Authority? 30%?
16. Customers might get hit with big increases in the future to address this issue.
17. What are the potential treatment options that Sweetwater Authority would consider for long-term removal of PFAS from the water?
18. How many more tests do we have?