Show All Answers

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?

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are synthetic chemicals found in various everyday products, including firefighting foams, nonstick cookware and waterproof clothing. These "forever chemicals" are resistant to breaking down and can persist in the environment for long periods of time.

PFAS can accumulate in soil and water due to their widespread use and persistence. They can enter water sources through runoff from industrial activities, the use of consumer products, and/or firefighting foam used at airports and military sites. Over time, they build up in the environment.

PFAS were introduced into consumer products starting in the 1940s and 1950s, however they were not regulated until much later. The reason we are hearing about PFAS in our water now is due to advancements in scientific detection methods, which have enabled us to identify even trace levels of these chemicals.

We are committed to transparency and regularly testing for PFAS in our water. We will comply with both state and federal requirements for PFAS testing and notification. Test results are made available to our customers through official notices and posted on our website. 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.

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?

No, this presentation specifically refers to the treated water from Sweetwater Reservoir. Under UCMR 5, Sweetwater Authority is required to sample the “entry point” to the distribution system from each of our water treatment facilities because that’s the treated water that is being delivered directly to the public. Sweetwater Authority operates three water treatment facilities, and the data presented tonight was specific for the Perdue Water Treatment Plant located in Spring Valley. The Perdue Water Treatment Plant treats 100% water from the Sweetwater Reservoir. Sweetwater Authority also has two groundwater sources: the Richard A. Reynolds Groundwater Desalination Facility and our National City wells in northern National City.  Those facilities are also required to be monitored at the entry point to the distribution system. PFAS has not been detected at the entry point to the distribution system on those sources. This is specifically for the Perdue Water Treatment Plant.

3. Who is responsible for PFAS contamination? Is Sweetwater Authority pursuing legal action against the manufacturers of PFAS?

PFAS is a widespread issue, and pinpointing specific sources can be challenging. It is currently unknown where the PFAS contamination comes from. We remain open to pursuing avenues that may help mitigate the impact on our community.

Sweetwater Authority has settled with some PFAS manufacturers 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

4. Should people be eating fish caught at Sweetwater Reservoir? Does the EPA regulate that? Or is that a different agency?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or Department of Drinking Water (DDW) don’t provide any guidance related to posting notices about fish and wildlife in reservoirs. With this established, the EPA has developed unenforceable water quality criteria and informal benchmarks to help states and authorized Tribes protect aquatic ecosystems from several PFAS. The levels of PFAS found in the reservoir are much lower than either the acute or chronic water quality benchmarks. These criteria can be found at www.epa.gov/wqc/pfas-and-aquatic-life.

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

We are committed to transparency and regularly testing for PFAS in our water. We will comply with both state and federal requirements for PFAS testing and notification. Test results will be made available to our customers through official notices and posted on our website at www.sweewater.org/PFAS. Here are additional ways for you to get involved:

You can:

• Attend a meeting: public meeting, Community Advisory Work Group, etc.
• Sign up for our email list.
• Call us at our dedicated phone line (619) 409-6786 · Email us at PFAS@sweetwater.org.