WASHOUGAL — The city of Washougal has detected slightly elevated levels of harmful “forever chemicals” in its drinking water.
City employees identified levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — often referred to as PFAS or forever chemicals — at each of the city’s six wellheads during routine testing between February and May, according to a statement from the city.
PFAS, a group of synthetic chemicals widely used in common household items, break down very slowly in the environment.
In April, the EPA set enforceable maximum contaminant levels for perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctane sulfonate, two prominent PFAS, in drinking water at 4 parts per trillion.
The levels in the city’s water were below the Washington State Action Level of 15 parts per trillion but above the EPA’s maximum contaminant level at least once during the testing at each of the city’s wellheads.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, PFAS are linked to a host of health risks, including decreased fertility, increased blood pressure during pregnancy, developmental delays in children, and an increased risk of prostate, kidney and testicular cancers.
Washougal Public Works Director Trevor Evers did not respond to the Post-Record’s multiple requests for comment but said in the city’s news release that “the health and safety of our residents are our top priorities.”
“Upon detecting these low levels of PFAS, we have taken immediate steps to ensure our drinking water remains safe and compliant with regulatory standard,” Evers said, adding that the city is investigating interim measures, such as testing and monitoring water quality, evaluating technology to remove PFAS from the water supply, and investigating potential sources of PFAs and the extent of PFAs in the groundwater supply.
“We are committed to transparency and proactive communication with our residents,” City Manager David Scott said in the release. “Regular updates on PFAS testing results and our ongoing efforts to address this issue will be readily available to ensure our community remains informed.”
Washougal is not the only Southwest Washington city to have discovered PFAS in its water system.
Since 2022, the city of Camas — one of the first Washington communities to test its drinking water system for PFAS — found levels that exceeded the state’s 15-parts-per-trillion limit in at least one of its wells. Camas has turned off Well 13, near Louis Bloch Park downtown, during non-summer months, when water is not in high demand, and notifies the public when the well is back on.
Camas and Washougal residents can find out more about PFAS and local actions to address them. The city of Camas — in conjunction with the Washington State Department of Ecology, Clark County Public Health and the Washington State Department of Health — will host an open house from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Lacamas Lake Lodge, 227 N.E. Lake Road, Camas.
