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June 21, 2024
Editor, The News-Gazette: I was pleased to see that the city of Lexington began testing for select PFAS chemicals. Hopefully this testing expands to include additional more common variants of PFAS. For those using private wells, I would like to bring attention to the fact that we are not immune to the issue of PFAS contamination.
Living in Rockbridge County, we often feel that we can avoid some of the problems and concerns of more populated areas of our state and country. PFAS is not one of those problems. It has been detected around the globe from Antarctica to the Himalayas. My well was tested in July of 2022 with results: 1.4 parts per trillion (ppt) PFOS, 0.66 ppt PFOA, 0.84 ppt PFBS, 0.48 ppt PFPeA, and 0.32 ppt PFHxA. Yes, these levels are lower than more impacted urban areas. But it illustrates that these chemicals are everywhere. They are even in the refreshing limestone groundwater of our quiet county, far away from chemical plants and military bases.
The EPA’s new National Primary Drinking Water Regulation for PFAS has set a Contaminant Level Goal of 0 (yes, zero) for PFOA and PFOS (two of the most pervasive forms of PFAS). This is a non-enforceable public health goal. But it reflects the latest science showing that there is no level of exposure to these contaminants without risk to human health. Both PFOA and PFOS were present in my well water.
As mentioned in the article from last week, testing for PFAS chemicals is not easy or affordable and the EPA and VDH do not have regulatory authority to test private wells. Homes with well water can expect to pay $300-$600 for PFAS testing from an accredited laboratory.
Currently, the only accessible methods of PFAS removal in drinking water are activated carbon filtration or reverse osmosis filtration. Sadly, the high expense of testing and filtering will mean that those with less financial resources are likely to be most affected by PFAS contamination. Whether using municipal water or well water, if you have the ability, I encourage you to test and filter your water. CLARK SIMCOE Rockbridge County
