Skagit PUD is pleased to inform our community that your drinking water remains safe and free from PFAS contamination. This page explains what PFAS are, why they matter to your health, and how we're protecting your water.

Understanding PFAS: "Forever Chemicals" in Our Environment

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) earned the nickname "forever chemicals" because they break down extremely slowly in the environment. Developed in the 1940s for their water and oil-repellent properties, these synthetic compounds have been widely used in:

• Industrial manufacturing processes where chemical resistance is needed.
  
  
• Consumer products like stain-resistant carpets, water-repellent clothing, and nonstick cookware.
  
  
• Food packaging (particularly grease-resistant paper wrappings).
  
  
• Specialized firefighting foams used for high-intensity fuel fires.

• Metal plating operations where durability is essential

Unlike natural contaminants, PFAS don't degrade through normal environmental processes, allowing them to accumulate in soil, groundwater, and even human tissues over decades.

Health Implications: Why PFAS Monitoring Matters

The scientific community's understanding of PFAS health effects continues to evolve, but research has established several concerning connections. Studies examining populations with higher PFAS exposure have identified these potential health impacts:

• Disruption of lipid metabolism, often presenting as elevated cholesterol levels.
   
• Developmental effects, particularly reduced birth weights in newborns.
   
• Increased risk of specific cancers, most notably kidney and testicular cancers.
  
  
• Potential immune system suppression, including reduced vaccine effectiveness in children.
  
  
• Thyroid hormone disruption, which can affect metabolism and development.

These findings explain why water utilities nationwide are increasingly focused on PFAS monitoring, even ahead of formal regulation.

Our Proactive Approach to Your Water Safety

While the EPA has not yet established mandatory PFAS monitoring requirements for water systems nationwide, they have recently finalized a rule requiring public water systems to monitor for specific PFAS and take action if levels exceed new Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs).

In 2024, we participated in the EPA's fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule program, specifically testing our Judy Reservoir water system that serves Mount Vernon, Sedro-Woolley, and Burlington communities.

Testing Results: Laboratory analysis showed no detectable levels (ND) of any of the 29 PFAS compounds included in the testing protocol. This means your water source remains uncontaminated by these persistent chemicals.

Our Ongoing Commitment

Water quality science continually advances, and Skagit PUD remains committed to:

1. Following developing research on PFAS and other emerging contaminants. 
   
   
2. Implementing advanced testing methodologies as they become available.
   
   
3. Maintaining watershed protection measures that prevent contamination.
   
   
4. Keeping our community informed about water quality through transparent reporting.

We understand that safe drinking water forms the foundation of community health. That's why we'll continue monitoring, testing, and protecting your water supply with the same vigilance we would want for our own families.

For more information about PFAS or our water quality monitoring program, please contact our Water Quality department at (360) 848-2135.

Resources

• Washington Department of Health has proposed to adopt a state action level for PFAS and is currently open for stakeholder comments.
• Detailed information regarding PFAS can be found on the EPA website.
• Map of PFAS Contamination in the U.S.