Tucson Water could well have increased the buildup of these chemicals in the wells by pumping tainted water out of the wells and toward the plant, said one scientist and a city official. The pumping can pull more heavily contaminated water lying south of those wells into the wells, boosting their PFAS concentrations.
Does Tucson water contain PFAS?
Citywide, Tucson Water has closed 18 wells because of PFAS contamination. The south-side PFAS contamination was publicly disclosed in spring 2019, when authorities released an internal Air National Guard report showing widespread contamination underneath the guard’s base adjoining Tucson International Airport.
How does PFAS get into groundwater?
PFAS can get into drinking water when products containing them are used or spilled onto the ground or into lakes and rivers[21]. Once in groundwater, PFAS are easily transported large distances and can contaminate drinking wells [10]. PFAS in the air can also end up in rivers and lakes used for drinking water[10].
What causes high PFAS in water?
While those living adjacent to major manufacturers that use PFAS are more at risk, the products made from various PFAS chemicals are so ubiquitous—cleaning products, non-stick pans, rainproof coats, stain resistant carpet, food packaging—that just about everyone has it in their bodies.
Where are the highest concentrations of PFAS found?
Based on our tests and new academic research that found PFAS widespread in rainwater , EWG scientists now believe PFAS is likely detectable in all major water supplies in the U.S., almost certainly in all that use surface water.
How contaminated is Tucson water?
Today, Tucson Water said no contaminants can be detected in the water. The contamination resulted in a “super fund,” paid by the parties responsible for the clean-up process. One thing that comes out of the Super Fund is the TARP project. Tucson Water spends an estimated $1 million every year to clean it up.
How safe is the drinking water in Tucson?
TUCSON, Ariz. — Tucson’s drinking water is not at risk, according to Tucson Water, but a new report shows drinking water in nearly every state is contaminated with PFAS chemicals. This was released by the Environmental Working Group and Northeastern University.
How do I remove PFAS from groundwater?
The most common treatment approach for achieving PFAS risk removal is groundwater extraction and filtration. This approach involves interceptor wells that pump groundwater to the surface and filter out the PFAS using granular activated carbon or ion-exchange resins.
What are the main sources of PFAS contamination of the groundwater surface water and drinking water?
Sources of contamination include not only industrial and manufacturing facilities, but landfills where PFAS have leached into groundwater, and places where PFAS-based firefighting foam AFFF has been used such as airports, military sites, chemical plants, and aboveground petroleum storage facilities.
Where does most PFAS exposure come from?
Workers involved in making or processing PFAS and PFAS-containing materials are more likely to be exposed than the general population. Workers may be exposed to PFAS by inhaling them, getting them on their skin, and swallowing them, but inhaling them is the most likely route for exposure.
How do PFAS get into wells?
PFAS can migrate through soil and affect groundwater. PFAS are very persistent and can remain in groundwater for long periods of time. The following information is meant for individuals whose private wells have been tested for PFAS.
How do you prevent PFAS in water?
Four ways to avoid PFAS in your water
- Check your water. While there are still no federal limits for PFAS chemicals in drinking water, certain states require routine testing.
- Test your water.
- Filter your water.
- Choose and use products carefully.
How do you reduce PFAS in water?
Water filtration units that use granular activated carbon (GAC, also called charcoal filters) or reverse osmosis (RO) can both be effective in removing the PFAS compounds that commercial labs typically analyze.
What states have the most PFAS in water?
Michigan is by far the most impacted by PFAS contamination, followed by California and New Jersey. Toxic chemicals found in nonstick cooking pans and other household items have contaminated more than 600 water sources across at least 43 states, according to a new report, with Michigan by far the most impacted.
Does bottled water have PFAS?
The study, published in the journal Water Research and led by Johns Hopkins University researchers, detected PFAS substances in 39 out of more than 100 bottled waters tested, in some cases at levels deemed concerning by water quality experts.
Where are PFAS found in water?
These chemicals are used to make household and commercial products that resist heat and chemical reactions and repel oil, stains, grease and water. PFAS chemicals include PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) and PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonic acid). PFAS are found in people, fish and wildlife all over the world.
What chemicals are in Tucson water?
Sources of Water Contaminants
| Drinking Water Rule | Regulated Drinking Water Contaminant |
|---|---|
| Inorganic Chemicals | Antimony, Arsenic, Barium, Beryllium, Cadmium, Chromium, Cyanide, Fluoride, Mercury, Nickel, Nitrate, Sodium, Selenium, Thallium |
| Lead and Copper | Lead and Copper |
| Maximum Residual Disinfection Level | Free Chlorine |
Does Tucson have water issues?
Well, the water level is now low enough to trigger a Tier 1 shortage. Those of you who don’t follow water issues might be asking what water levels nearly 400 miles away has to do with water users here in Tucson.
Is there lead in Tucson water?
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) limits lead levels in your drinking water. For more than 20 years, Tucson Water has tested for lead in water from customers’ taps at homes to ensure it meets or exceeds EPA’s criteria.
How is the water quality in Tucson Arizona?
For the latest quarter assessed by the U.S. EPA (January 2021 – March 2021), tap water provided by this water utility was in compliance with federal health-based drinking water standards.
How is Tucson tap water?
The tap water in Tucson is generally regarded as safe to drink due to the fact that there are no active health-based violations of the safe drinking water act (SDWA) that we are aware of.