Camas to activate well that tested above state limits for PFAS

The city of Camas plans to activate a well that repeatedly tested above state limits for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in 2025.

Well 13, located near Louis Bloch Park in southeast Camas, was expected to be turned on Monday or Tuesday “due to the increased demand in the water system,” according to a statement from the city. It has been offline since September.

“The recent increase in temperatures across the area has required all city wells to be in production,” the city said in the statement. “Adding Well 13 will provide the city with the additional supply needed to keep up with the late spring/summer demand.”

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are a group of toxic, synthetic chemicals, commonly known as PFAS or “forever chemicals,” that have been linked to cancer, high cholesterol levels and reduced birth weights.

Washington lowered its action level for perfluorooctane sulfonate in drinking water from 15 parts per trillion to 4 parts per trillion as of Jan. 15, aligning with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s federal maximum contaminant level.

A June test sample of Well 13 showed 32.6 parts per trillion, the highest level the city has recorded, Camas Utilities Manager Rob Charles said during the Camas City Council’s July 21 meeting. The city’s most recent test on Oct. 15 found 13.4 parts per trillion, said Bryan Rachal, the city’s director of communications and public affairs.

“It’s important to note the well was off at that time, and it was also below state allowable levels, which were still at 15 parts per trillion at that point,” Rachal said. “We will test again once the well is up and running.”

The city is currently working on a filtration system to help mitigate PFAS from Well 13 and expects to complete the construction project in the spring of 2027. In accordance with state law, the city will notify utility customers of the presence of PFAS if detected levels are over the state allowable limit, according to the statement.

“We understand the concern and reluctance to use Well 13 before the completion of the project,” city officials said. “However, due to citywide increasing demand, Well 13 needs to be in operation to ensure uninterrupted water delivery during the late spring/summer.”

Clark County Councilor Matt Little, a Camas resident, spoke during the Clark County Council’s meeting about the availability of water filters that reduce PFAS and expressed a desire for the city to provide more information on how residents can reduce PFAS exposure.

“That well is the testing high for PFAS, actually 10 times the limit, and the city isn’t able to remediate,” Little said. “I did get a notice from the city that this was happening, but it didn’t provide a lot of information about what a family can do to reduce PFAS or the hazards.”