PFAS have been in use since the 1950s to make a wide variety of stain-resistant, water-resistant, and non-stick consumer products. Some examples include food packaging, outdoor clothing, and non-stick pans. PFAS also have many industrial uses because of their special properties. In Washington State, PFAS have been used in certain types of firefighting foams utilized by the U.S. military, local fire departments, and airports. PFAS can get into drinking water if they are made, used, disposed of, or spilled near your water source. Because PFAS do not break down easily, they may remain in water supplies for many years.
Bellevue’s drinking water comes from two very large, pristine, and very well-protected watersheds in Cascade foothills. At Bellevue Utilities, we will continue to monitor this emerging family of contaminants per federal and state guidelines to protect you and your family. For more information on PFAS and drinking water, visit Washington State Department of Health.
Typical Sources for PFAS compounds
PFAS are a large family of synthetic chemicals used in a wide range of consumer products and industrial applications including: non-stick cookware, water-repellent clothing, stain-resistant fabrics and carpets, cosmetics, firefighting foams, electroplating, and products that resist grease, water, and oil. PFAS are found in the blood of people and animals and in water, air, fish, and soil at locations across the United States and the world.
Monitored Contaminants
The Safe Drinking Water Act requires the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) to issue a list of unregulated contaminants to be monitored by public water systems every five years. The fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 5) was published on December 27, 2021. UCMR 5 requires sample collection for 30 chemical contaminants between 2023 and 2025. The data collected under UCMR 5 improves understanding of the prevalence and amount of 29 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and lithium in the nation’s drinking water systems.
Bellevue Utilities has completed all required sampling in 2024. Out of the 29 PFAS compounds tested, we had four very minor detections only in the first quarter of 2024; the remaining three quarters of 2024 have no detection at all. We have determined the first quarter detections were errors due to sampling environment and conditions.
View data table with list of complete UCMR 5 results.