What are PFAS?

PFAS are a group of manmade chemicals that have been used since the 1950s in many consumer products and industrial processes.

Where are PFAS found?

PFAS can be found in everyday products, such as:

• Water-resistant fabrics, such as rain jackets, umbrellas, and tents
• Grease-resistant paper
• Nonstick cookware
• Cleaning products
• Personal care products, like shampoo, dental floss, nail polish, and eye makeup
• Stain-resistant coatings used on carpets, upholstery, and other fabrics

PFAS exposure

The main ways people can be exposed to PFAS include:

• Using products that contain PFAS
• Eating food grown or raised near places that used or made PFAS
• Eating food packaged in material made with PFAS
• Using nonstick cookware, and stain and water repellant sprays for fabrics
• Drinking contaminated municipal or private well water

While these contaminants can be present in drinking water, they are not yet subject to Environmental Protection Agency drinking water standards.

As of 2023, the EPA is in the process of studying these chemicals and coming up with a proposed Maximum Contaminate Level (MCL) for drinking water using the UCMR5 program (Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule). The EPA uses this program to monitor for unregulated drinking water contaminants in Public Water Supplies across the United States. Assessment of this information will help determine future regulatory requirements, with a goal of furthering the protection of public health. According to this program, Utilities are to perform sampling and testing beginning in 2023 through 2025 and report the results in 2026.

Broken Arrow has already participated in three UCMR5 sampling events during 2023 and will continue sampling through 2025. Currently, there have been no detections of PFOA, and PFOS has been detected at 5.5 ppt which is just slightly above the proposed 4.0 ppt level.

To provide perspective, one part per trillion is the equivalent of one drop of ink in 20 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

If required in the future by EPA drinking water standards and regulations, the treatment to remove these chemicals will be added to our Water Treatment Plant using carbon, much like the carbon filter you may have on your refrigerator or faucet at your home.

Additional information is available at: https://www.epa.gov/pfas or contact us at Water_Resources@brokenarrowok.gov or 918-259-7000 extension 7220.