What are Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)?
Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), are a group of synthetic compounds that have been used since the 1940's in many products, including non-stick pots and pans, water or stain-resistant fabrics and carpeting, food packaging, and firefighting foam.
Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are very stable chemical compounds and can last a long time in the human body and the environment. They can build up over time and have been linked to negative health effects.
Some Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) like perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) are no longer manufactured in the U.S.A. Phase-outs for these PFAS started in the early 2000’s.
How do Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) end up in our water?
Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) can get into the water supply where they are made or used. Industrial sites, businesses, or places where firefighting foam was used are examples. Waste disposal sites like landfills and wastewater treatment facilities may handle items containing Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and these chemicals can potentially get into the groundwater or surface water. Accidents like chemical spills may also contaminate water sources.
What is DPW doing to protect our drinking water from Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)?
We regularly test and monitor our water supply for Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFOS). We work hard to ensure that your drinking water meets federal and state guidelines and regulations.
In addition to testing and monitoring, we also take other measures to keep your drinking water safe. Our open-air, treated drinking water reservoirs are being replaced with big concrete tanks buried safely underground. These tanks are built in compliance with federal mandates like the Safe Drinking Water Act. The tanks keep harmful bacteria and chemicals out of our filtered water.
Druid Lake Tanks
Ashburton Tanks
We also maintain partnerships with surrounding counties and non-governmental stakeholders who directly impact the health of our source water, namely Liberty, Loch Raven, and Prettyboy Reservoirs. DPW, along with our partners, is committed to maintaining safe and reliable source water for our region.
How are Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) regulated?
Beginning in 2020, the Maryland Department of the Environment initiated a Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) monitoring program. DPW is active in testing and monitoring your drinking water for Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and other contaminants.
In early 2023, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the proposed National Primary Drinking Water Regulation for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
DPW immediately started preparing for the new regulations in coordination with the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE).
What are the maximum contaminant levels for Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)?
The EPA has proposed regulations to set a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of 4 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOA and PFOS. To give you a sense of this measurement—1 part per trillion is 1 second out of 32,000 years.
Review DPW Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) testing results
2022 testing results included water samples from the City’s three drinking water treatment plants:
- Montebello 1
- Montebello 2
- Ashburton
These samples confirmed that Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) levels were below EPA’s proposed MCL threshold of 4 ppt.
Review DPW water quality reports
Note: The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health
risk.
Additional Information
DPW Maintains Compliance With Proposed EPA Regulations for Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)
Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Explained
Maryland and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)
Questions or Concerns?
We're here to help. Please call 311 or visit 311 online to connect with us.
Water customers outside of Baltimore City may dial 410-396-5352 for assistance.