PFAS in the News

Olympic View Water and Sewer District (OVWSD) has filed a federal Citizen Suit against the Edmonds School District to protect the Deer Creek Drinking Water Aquifer—a vital public water source—from PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) contamination originating at the Madrona K-8 School site.

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PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” have been detected in stormwater and soils at the school site. These substances pose a risk to groundwater quality due to their persistence in the environment and links to health concerns such as cancer, developmental harm, and immune system impacts.

Despite multiple opportunities, the Edmonds School District has not taken adequate steps to stop PFAS-contaminated stormwater from being discharged into underground injection wells (UICs) located above the aquifer. These wells drain into sandy soils directly above a critical portion of the District’s drinking water supply.

While OVWSD’s treated drinking water remains safe and fully compliant with state and federal standards, this legal action was necessary to prevent future contamination and ensure the continued safety of the water supply for our customers.

This page provides key materials related to the PFAS issue at Madrona School and OVWSD’s efforts to resolve the problem and safeguard public health