Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of widely used man-made chemical compounds that persist in the environment  for long periods of time. For decades PFAS chemicals have been used in industry and consumer goods.

Here are some examples of where PFAS are commonly found:

• firefighting foam
  

• non-stick metal coating for cookware

• paper food packaging

• creams and cosmetics

• textiles for furniture and outdoor clothing  

• paints and photography

• pesticides
  

• chrome plating

• pharmaceuticals

Even though some PFAS compounds have been largely phased out due to health and environmental concerns, numerous PFAS are still in use today. To learn more about PFAS, visit the EPA's website: What are PFAS?  

EPA Ruling on PFAS

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) uses the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR) to collect data for suspected contaminants in drinking water to support future regulatory determinations to protect public health. The fifth and current monitoring cycle, UCMR5, required utilities to monitor for 30 contaminants (29 PFAS compounds and lithium) between 2023 and 2025.

On April 10, 2024, in concurrence with UCMR5, the EPA established health-based, non-enforceable, Maximum Contaminant Level Goals (MCLGs) for two compounds, PFOS and PFOA, at zero and legally enforceable levels called maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for six PFAS compounds: PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, PFNA, and HFPO-DA. A Hazard Index was also finalized for PFAS mixtures containing at least two or more of PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA, and PFBS. The Hazard Index accounts for the combined health risks from mixtures of PFAS.       

City of Dallas Monitoring for PFAS

The current EPA regulation requires all Public Water Systems (PWS), which includes Dallas Water Utilities (DWU), to complete an initial PFAS monitoring by 2027. PWS are required to implement solutions, if necessary, to reduce levels of PFAS compounds in drinking water below enforceable MCLs by 2029. Additionally, all PWS will be required to make the results available to the public beginning in 2027.

DWU has completed the UCMR5 requirement beginning sample collection in March 2023 from each of our three water treatment plants (WTP): Eastside WTP, Bachman WTP and Elm Fork WTP. The results indicated that the current levels for PFAS in DWU's drinking water comply with the forthcoming regulatory limits. 

DWU included the PFAS results in the 2023 Consumer Confidence Report well in advance of the required regulatory timeline of 2027. The table below highlights the results:     

City of Dallas' Next Steps

In addition to complying with UCMR5, DWU is taking proactive measures to address PFAS. These efforts include incorporating PFAS monitoring into its source water sampling program, identifying potential PFAS sources to minimize exposure, evaluating both established and emerging treatment technologies, and researching short- and long-term strategies to reduce PFAS levels.

DWU's tap water meets all established regulatory requirements for drinking water and our system is rated as a Superior Water System, the highest rating offered by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).

DWU will continue to comply with all current and future regulations and is committed to providing ongoing superior rated drinking water services.

If you have questions regarding water quality, please contact the DWU Water Quality office by sending an email to DWUWaterQuality@dallas.gov.

ADDITIONAL PFAS RESOURCES:

EPA Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

EPA - PFAS Explained