Some drinking water in Kennewick, Washington, still has high levels of “forever chemicals.” Since 2024, the city has found PFAs chemicals above state standards.
This year, Washington state lowered the amount of PFAs allowed in drinking water. The standards are measured in parts per trillion. One part per trillion is equal to about one drop of water in 20 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
Still, Kennewick’s water is elevated for two types of these “forever chemicals”. There are thousands of types of PFAs chemicals. They persist in the environment and break down slowly.
This spring, PFOS tested at 10.5 parts per trillion, above the new standard of 4 parts per trillion. Another type of the chemical, known as PFHxS, tested at 16 parts per trillion, above the 10 parts per trillion standard.
Low levels of PFAs were found starting in 2022, when updates to lab equipment began to detect such small amounts of contamination.
Exposure to some PFAs, or “forever chemicals,” has been linked to different health problems, including low birth weights, an increased risk of some cancers and decreased fertility in women.
The state Department of Health recommends using alternative water sources, like bottled water, for people who are pregnant, breastfeeding or making infant formula.
The elevated levels were found at the Ranney Collector, which pulls in groundwater. It produces 15 million gallons of water daily, or 60% of the city’s drinking water supply, according to the city. A treatment plant supplements Kennewick’s water from the Columbia River, typically in the early spring through October.
The city samples water from the collector and gets it tested quarterly for PFAs, as required by the Washington Department of Health. The detections appear to be higher in the early spring, according to the city.
The city is building a treatment facility to help filter out PFAs. The facility will cost about $33 million. It’s expected to be up and running by 2028.
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