Washougal sees PFAS increase in 3 city wells, decrease in 2 wells

The city of Washougal has reported that recent tests show a slight increase in perfluorooctane sulfonic acid levels in three city wells and a slight decrease in two wells, with the final well remaining non-detect in regard to the Environmental Protection Agency’s adopted limit of 4 parts per trillion.

The levels remain within the State Action Limit set by the Washington State Department of Health, according to a news release, which states that all other tested substances continue to fall below both EPA and state limits.

“We’re actively monitoring, evaluating treatment options, and planning for long-term solutions to ensure the safety of our water,” the city stated in a news release.

PFAS are synthetic chemicals, known as “forever chemicals,” due to their persistence in the environment. They have been used in various consumer products and industrial processes since the 1940s.

In response to the latest EPA guidelines, the city of Washougal has been actively monitoring and addressing PFAS levels in the water supply, according to the news release.

“PFAS levels can fluctuate due to variations in sources, environmental conditions, water supply changes, and the movement of PFAS through the environment,” the news release states.

The city of Washougal’s ongoing initiatives include testing the water supply, evaluating treatment options, finding long-term solutions, and planning for the future, according to the news release.

“The newly adopted EPA regulations emphasize the importance of monitoring PFAS levels and taking corrective actions as needed,” the news release states. “The city will continue to provide regular updates on testing results on a quarterly basis and efforts to manage PFAS. The next testing cycle will be in the third quarter of 2025.”

Residents can access the latest information on PFAS testing and mitigation efforts at cityofwashougal.us/PFAS.