On April 10, 2024, the US EPA announced national regulations limiting the amount of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also referred to as “Forever Chemicals”, in drinking water. The new regulations will set a maximum contaminant level (MCL) for six of the widely known PFAS chemicals; PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, PFNA, PFBS, and HFPO-DA (GenX).

PFAS are synthetic chemicals that can be found just about everywhere, including the air, soil & water. PFAS can be found in such items as nonstick cookware, cleaning products, and personal care products to repel water, and can take thousands of years to break down in the environment. Research has confirmed that exposure to certain levels of PFAS can lead to a range of health issues including reproductive problems, developmental delays in children, low birth rate, suppressed immune systems, increased cholesterol levels and certain types of cancer.

Jefferson Water & Sewer District (JWSD) supports strong drinking water standards and has taken steps to protect public health. In October 2022, the Ohio EPA tested the raw water that JWSD uses to process for public consumption and tests results indicated that the six PFAS chemicals now being regulated were below the laboratory detection limit. In addition, in accordance with the US EPA’s fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR5), JWSD tested the finished potable water for PFAS chemicals in October 2023, and again test results indicated that PFAS chemicals were below the laboratory detection limit. JWSD is in the process of testing for the second round of UCMR5 right now, and test results are expected within the next few weeks. JWSD fully expects the test results to reveal the same – below laboratory detection.

Jefferson Water & Sewer District is confident that our drinking water is clean and safe for public consumption, and all PFAS testing to date has met or exceeded the requirements of US & Ohio EPA standards and regulations. JWSD will continue to monitor for potential hazards in the water in compliance with all EPA regulations. If you have questions or concerns regarding your drinking water, please feel free to contact JWSD at (614) 864-0740 or by email at customerservice@jwsd.org.