PFAS
EPA’s New PFAS Regulations
On April 10, 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released new National Primary Drinking Water Regulations targeting six distinct per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These new regulations require monitoring the following PFAS chemicals by 2027:
- Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA)
- Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS)
- Perfluorohexanesulphonic acid (PFHxS)
- Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA)
- Hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA) or Gen X
- Perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS)
At the conclusion of this monitoring period the EPA is requiring public water systems to continue monitoring the PFAS chemicals, begin to implement solutions wherever necessary, and notify the public of violations. Public water systems have until 2029 to implement solutions that will mitigate PFAS contamination.
What are PFAS?
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, comprise a vast array of human-made chemicals numbering in the thousands. They have been utilized in various consumer and industrial goods since the 1940s, owing to their remarkable resistance to grease, oil, water, and heat. PFAS can be found in goods such as fabrics, carpeting, non-stick cookware, cleaning agents, paints, personal care items, food packaging, and numerous other products. PFAS have played a pervasive role in modern industry.
Termed "forever chemicals" due to their resistance to degradation, PFAS exhibits longevity in the environment. Studies have illuminated their propensity to accumulate in environmental reservoirs (surface water sources) and biological organisms, including fish, wildlife, and humans.
West U’s Water System
The City of West University Place receives its water supply from the following sources:
- City owned groundwater wells (approx. 45%)
- Surface water purchased from the City of Houston (approx. 55%)
Our water system strictly adheres to the National Primary Drinking Water Regulations, which falls under the Safe Drinking Water Act, governed by the EPA and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). Since 1943, West U water has received TCEQ’s highest rating of “Superior” and our goal is to maintain that rating.
What is West U Doing as a Result of New Regulations for PFAS?
The good news is that like many other agencies, West U was already testing for PFAS in anticipation of pending changes from EPA. In light of the recent changes establishing a limit on PFAS, the city will increase its testing frequency on the surface water purchased from the City of Houston and our groundwater supply. Additionally, City Council has already authorized design services to update our two water pump stations, which will include options for addressing PFAS in our water supply with a goal of maintaining our superior water system.
For more information on West U’s water quality, please visit www.westutx.gov/waterquality.