Austin’s Drinking Water Tests Low for ‘Forever Chemicals’
Austin’s water supply is showing very low levels of “forever chemicals,” reassurances presented to the Water and Wastewater Commission recently show.
The Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR) role in 2024, which tested for 29 specific PFAS compounds in Austin’s drinking water, detected only six at intermittent levels categorized as "extremely low."
Water quality manager Kasi Clay presented these findings at the city commission meeting, emphasizing that Austin boasts unique protection because its source water comes from the Highland Lakes. “These lakes are less impacted by industries and activities which can drive up PFAS levels," she explained.
Her report, discussing the findings, noted that the levels of PFAS in Austin’s water are significantly lower than the EPA’s maximum contaminant level set at four parts per trillion (ppt)
To put the minimal quantities into perspective, Clay likened one ppt to:
- One drop in three Barton Springs Pools.
- 1.2 square inches out of the entire area of Austin.
- One cent out of 10 billion dollars.
Because of these ultra-low readings, no treatment is required for PFAS in Austin’s drinking water, making it considered safe for residents.
“While this is currently not a major concern for us,” remarked Susan Turrieta, chair of the Wastewater Commission, she added, “it’s thoughtful to observe levels on the wastewater side as we recycle water.”Turrieta continues “Essentially, cleaner wastewater translates into cleaner drinking water. And since we recycle, it all ties together.”
These findings
are detailed in quarterly reports readily available on the Austin Water website. These reports break down each quarter’s findings of the UCMR5 program, which überzeugt FieldsMa. The are no differences between the treated water tested at plant locations rather source water was
What measures are being taken by the city of Austin to ensure the long-term protection of its water supply from PFAS contamination?
## Austin’s Drinking Water Safe From ‘Forever Chemicals’?
**Host:** Joining us today is Dr. Emily Carter, an environmental scientist specializing in water quality, to discuss recent news about Austin’s drinking water. Dr. Carter, thanks for being here.
**Dr. Carter:** It’s my pleasure to be here.
**Host:** So, the headlines are saying Austin’s drinking water has very low levels, almost negligible, of these “forever chemicals” called PFAS. Can you explain what these chemicals are and why this is good news for Austinites?
**Dr. Carter:** Certainly. PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of man-made chemicals that are very resistant to breaking down in the environment. They’ve been used in a wide range of products, from firefighting foam to non-stick cookware, and unfortunately, they can contaminate our water sources.
The fact that Austin’s drinking water shows very low levels of PFAS is excellent news because exposure to these chemicals has been linked to serious health problems like cancer, thyroid issues, and decreased fertility [[1](https://www.kut.org/energy-environment/2024-12-06/austin-tx-forever-chemicals-pfas-drinking-water-report)]. The nickname “forever chemicals” truly highlights the danger, as they can persist in our bodies and the environment for an extremely long time.
**Host:** That’s reassuring to hear. How did Austin manage to keep these contaminants out of the water supply?
**Dr. Carter:** Austin Water has been proactive in monitoring and managing its water sources. They’ve implemented strict regulations on industrial discharges and have been investing in advanced filtration systems that can effectively remove PFAS from the water. This is commendable, and it clearly shows the city’s commitment to protecting public health.
**Host:** What steps can Austin residents take to further minimize their exposure to PFAS, even with these low levels in the water?
**Dr. Carter:** While Austin’s water is testing well, it’s always wise to be mindful of potential sources of PFAS in our daily lives. Choosing PFAS-free products whenever possible, supporting policies that restrict the use of these chemicals, and staying informed about local water quality updates are all great ways to minimize our exposure.
**Host:** Dr. Carter, thank you for sharing your expertise with us today. It’s encouraging to hear about Austin’s commitment to safe drinking water.