About Us & Your Water
PFAS & Your Water
PFAS (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances) are a group of man-made chemicals that have been in use since the 1940s. PFAS have been found in various consumer products (such as non-stick cookware, stain-resistant coatings for carpet and upholstery, grease-proof food packaging, cosmetics, and cleaning products) and as an ingredient in firefighting foam. PFAS manufacturing and processing facilities, airports, and military installations are some contributors to PFAS releases into the air, soil, and water. Because of their widespread use, most people have been exposed to PFAS, and there is evidence that exposure to certain PFAS may lead to adverse health effects.
On April 10, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the final National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR) for six PFAS compounds. Under this new regulation, Public water systems must monitor for these PFAS and have three years to complete initial monitoring (by 2027), followed by ongoing compliance monitoring. Water systems must also provide the public with information on the levels of these PFAS in their drinking water beginning in 2027. Public water systems have until 2029 to implement solutions that reduce PFAS if monitoring shows that drinking water levels exceed these Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs). Beginning in 2029, public water systems that have PFAS in drinking water which violates one or more of these MCLs must take action to reduce levels of these PFAS in their drinking water and must provide notification to the public of the violation.
As part of the Fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 5). Midway Water System (MWS) conducted the required scheduled EPA -UCMR 5 sampling of its drinking water sources in April and October 2024. These water analysis showed MWS was over the new MCL for PFAS at one of the entry points. After compiling data and individual testing results, MWS determined the source at one of the four wells operated by MWS. For public safety, Midway Water System shut the well down on December 4, 2024 and the well remains offline. All other points of entry are below the newly established Maximum Contaminant Levels, and therefore fully compliant with the EPA’s drinking water standards.
For more information about PFAS and the new National Primary Drinking Water Regulations, please visit the EPA’s website at: