PW Service Authority reviewing proposed new regs for PFAS in drinking water

The Prince William County Service Authority in Woodbridge VA (the county’s water & sewer utilities agency) reports it is working closely with its regional and industry colleagues to review the PFAS regulations proposed March 14 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),
for six types of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water.

PFAS are a group of manmade chemicals used in coatings and products that resist heat, oil, stains, grease and water. Because they do not break down in the environment, PFAS can reach surface and groundwater drinking water sources.

“The Service Authority’s mission is to provide safe, clean and reliable water to the 380,000 people we serve in Prince William County,” said General Manager/CEO Calvin D. Farr, Jr. “We support the EPA’s efforts to keep emerging contaminants like PFAS compounds out of our drinking water supplies. We will continue to work with our drinking water providers to ensure that we maintain our standard of excellence in drinking water.”
The EPA will open a public 60-day comment period regarding its proposed new PFAS rules, and the Service Authority anticipates submitting comments during this important period. The EPA is likely to issue final PFAS standards later this year as well as the time frame when drinking water providers must meet the new standards.

The Service Authority purchases treated drinking water from Fairfax Water and the City of Manassas to meet the needs of Service Authority customers throughout Prince William County. The Service Authority remains fully confident in these providers’ ability to deliver safe and reliable drinking water that meets regulatory treatment and distribution requirements.

“The Service Authority provides an essential service for our community,” added Mr. Farr. “We understand our vital roles to protect public health and serve as environmental stewards, so we will remain highly engaged in this process.” 

Additional information about PFAS and drinking water can be found on the Service Authority website at https://www.pwcsa.org/pfas-drinking-water-faq