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SCV Water Notifies County, State For PFAS Contamination

The Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency (SCV Water) has notified the state and county after 20 additional wells tested above new guidelines for PFAS contamination, officials said Wednesday.

During the quarterly sampling, SCV Water found 20 wells to be in excess of the state’s nonregulatory notification levels for Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, according to a statement from the water agency.

These wells are in addition to eight wells identified during the first round of sampling in May where one well was shut down due to contamination, according to SCV Water officials.

“Like many communities across the nation, we are finding tiny amounts of PFAS in our water supply. We are taking immediate steps to tackle these substances through new strategies and proven treatment options,” said General Manager Matt Stone. “Our customers are our top priority, and we are committed to rigorously testing and treating our water thousands of times per year to ensure it meets or surpasses all water-quality standards and is safe to drink for our customers.”

PFAS substances are a group of manmade chemicals that are prevalent in the environment and were commonly used in industrial and consumer products to repel grease, moisture, oil, water and stains.

See Related: Santa Clarita Water Nears Top Of Statewide List For PFAS Contamination, Highest In LA County

These chemicals enter the environment through treated wastewater discharge, landfills and areas where the substances were used outdoors. Exposure to these chemicals may cause adverse health effects, according to SCV Water.

The State Water Resources Control Board – Division of Drinking Water (DDW) recently lowered the notification levels, which are now the most stringent in the nation, according to SCV Water.

In August, the updated state guidelines lowered the notification levels by more than half, to 6.5 parts per trillion for PFOS and 5.1 ppt for PFOA.

Under these new levels, more wells fell within notification levels than in previous years. One well was removed from service in May when it exceeded DDW’s interim response level of a combined 70 ppt for PFOS and PFOA. This interim response level is expected to be reviewed by the DDW this fall.

For perspective, one part per trillion is a microscopic measurement for something in the water and would be equal to four grains of sugar in an Olympic-size swimming pool.

Notification levels are a nonregulatory, precautionary reporting level for concentrations in drinking water that warrant notification and further monitoring and assessment, according to SCV Water.

When water registers above the notification level, it is reported to the DDW, as well as the SCV Water governing board, the Santa Clarita City Council and the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors within 30 days of official results from the testing laboratory, officials said.

Results were presented to the SCV Water Board on Oct. 1. Customers are notified through SCV Water’s annual Consumer Confidence (Water Quality) Report as well as the agency’s website and e-newsletter, according to officials.

“We are committed to transparently communicating all water quality changes and how we plan to address them with our customers,” said Stone.

SCV Water continues to monitor its groundwater supplies through proactive quarterly sampling and will rely on its diverse water supply portfolio, including imported and banked water sources, in order to minimize any supply impacts to its customers.

See Related: SCV Water Using Technology To Test Chemical Substances Found In Water Systems

SCV Water is evaluating treatment options to remove PFAS chemicals and has assembled a team of staff and industry experts to develop a plan to address the issue.

A new $5 million quick-start water treatment facility is in the works for three agency wells next to the William S. Hart Baseball/Softball League ballfields. This project is an investment in the long-term water supply and is set to provide treatment for a substantial portion of groundwater impacted by PFAS chemicals, according to SCV Water.

The project will treat up to 6,250 gallons of water per minute. On average, it will be enough water to serve more than 5,000 families for a year, officials said.

SCV Water is one of more than 200 water systems in California required to sample for PFOS and PFOA chemicals this year.

For more information on PFAS, visit here.


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SCV Water Notifies County, State For PFAS Contamination

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About Devon Miller

Devon Miller was born and raised in Santa Clarita. He joined KHTS Radio as a digital marketing intern in September of 2017, and later moved to news as a staff writer in December. Miller attended College of the Canyons and served as the Associated Student Government President. Miller is now News Director for KHTS, covering breaking news and politics across the Santa Clarita Valley.