CITY OF TUCSON RESPONDS TO NEW ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (EPA) GUIDELINES FOR PFAS

TUCSON (June 15, 2022) The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced new health advisory levels that will help further protect the nations’ drinking water from contaminants, known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). PFAS are a category of human-made chemicals that may cause severe health problems and pose serious threats to communities where contamination has taken place. PFAS are considered “forever chemicals” due to their bioaccumulation in the human body over time and are environmentally persistent. Today’s announcement provides more stringent guidelines for monitoring the compounds. 

Concurrently, the Biden/Harris Administration and EPA have invited states to apply for $1 billion – the first of $5 billion in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law grant funding – to address PFAS and other emerging contaminants in drinking water, specifically in small or disadvantaged communities.  

Historically, Tucson Water has met and exceeded federal guidelines for monitoring and treating PFAS contaminants and has anticipated the release of new EPA thresholds. Tucson Water will continue to exceed federal guidelines as outlined by the EPA and in partnership with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ). According to Tucson Water Director John P. Kmiec:  

“Today’s news from EPA did not come unexpectedly. We have been waiting patiently for new guidance with respect to PFAS compounds. What some of the changes will mean is that Tucson Water will adjust internal operating standards to meet federal advisories. In particular, Tucson Water will adjust internal targets for PFOA and PFOS to a goal of non-detect levels, which is less than 2 parts per trillion (ppt) with the EPA method we use at our drinking water quality laboratory.” 

Tucson Water had already set an internal standard for PFBS that was not to exceed 420 ppt. The new federal standard is 2,000 ppt. We anticipate leaving Tucson Water’s standard at the more conservative internal limit of 420 ppt. Tucson Water has also done initial screenings for hexafluoropropylene oxide (HFPO), better known as Gen-X. To date, Tucson Water has not seen any water supplies impacted with detectable concentrations of Gen-X.  

Tucson Water will continue to partner with ADEQ to obtain funds from a variety of sources—including the newly-announced grant funding to states—to address PFAS issues in the Tucson area.  

Tucson Water serves nearly 750,000 people in Southern Arizona and is committed to providing safe, quality water to the Tucson community.  

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