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1. 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

To date, there have been no health issues reported in our community that are directly linked to PFAS in our drinking water. If you have specific concerns, we encourage you to consult your physician.

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?

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.

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?

No, Sweetwater Authority does not test for PFAS all the way to customers’ taps. The sampling is taken from the Sweetwater Reservoir at the intake tower, which is where the water leaves the reservoir to go to Perdue Water Treatment plant for treatment before going to customers’ homes. Yes, customers could have their water tested by a private company who specializes in PFAS testing.

4. Does Sweetwater Authority have an epidemiologist advising on PFAS water safety?

No, we do not have an epidemiologist on staff. However, we follow guidance from regulatory agencies, including the EPA, regarding water safety.

5. Should we buy bottled water?

Bottled water is regulated by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) not Environmental Protection Administration (EPA), who regulates drinking water. Standards are higher for drinking water provided by a water agency (detection, testing and monitoring as well as notification standards). FDA has no current specific standards for PFAS in bottled water.