PFAS and Your Water
PFAS and Your Water
Olympic View Water and Sewer District (OVWSD) is committed to protecting the quality of your drinking water. As part of that commitment, we are taking proactive steps to monitor for and safeguard against PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances), a group of persistent chemicals that have raised health and environmental concerns nationwide.
Our drinking water remains safe, with all testing results well below state and federal health advisory levels. We continue to monitor, invest in appropriate technologies, and communicate transparently to ensure long-term water quality and public trust.
What are PFAS?
Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances or “PFAS” are a large family of human-made chemicals in use since the 1950s to make a wide variety of stain-resistant, water-resistant, and non-stick consumer products, including food packaging, outdoor clothing, and non-stick cookware. PFAS have also been used in certain types of firefighting foams utilized by the U.S. military, local fire departments, and airports. These chemicals do not break down easily and can accumulate in the environment and the human body, earning the name “forever chemicals.”
Are There Health Risks?
Yes. Long-term exposure to certain PFAS compounds has been linked to adverse health effects including:
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Developmental issues in children
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Immune system suppression
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Thyroid and liver disease
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Higher risk of certain cancers
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Increased cholesterol
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Decreased vaccine response
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Decreased fertility
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Lower birth weights
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Pregnancy-induced hypertension
Because PFAS are so persistent, early detection and prevention are critical.
Is My Drinking Water Safe?
Yes. OVWSD’s water is tested regularly and continues to meet all federal and state health standards. In fact, our monitoring results show that PFAS levels are either non-detectable or well below Washington State’s action levels. We are committed to keeping it that way by monitoring, investing in appropriate technologies, and communicating transparently to ensure your water quality and trust.
Washington State adopted new enforceable PFAS standards for Group A public water systems beginning in 2022. OVWSD began voluntary testing prior to the regulatory requirement and remains in full compliance.
How is Olympic View Safeguarding Drinking Water from PFAS?
Olympic View uses a comprehensive three-part strategy to safeguard our water supply from PFAS: testing, technology, and transparency.
Testing
We proactively and voluntarily test for PFAS and other contaminants at multiple points in our water system to detect even trace levels of concern.
Technology
We apply advanced sampling techniques and remain engaged with emerging treatment technologies to address contaminants before they become a risk. As technology continues to advance, water agencies can detect ever-smaller amounts of chemicals in the water, which allows state and federal agencies to revise water quality standards as needed.
Transparency
We keep our customers informed with current information and regular updates.We will continue to update this web page regularly to reflect the latest testing results and developments.
Local PFAS Information
While OVWSD’s water remains safe, we are aware of local PFAS detections in stormwater systems near sensitive source water areas. These detections present a potential long-term threat to drinking water. OVWSD has taken action to address these concerns and will continue to advocate for measures that protect our water sources.
For information about PFAS concerns related to stormwater infiltration at Madrona School, please visit our PFAS In The News page.
