Are There PFAS In Your San Diego Drinking Water?

The problem with PFAS and similar contaminants is that, until recently, few people knew or understood them. Compounding this issue, PFAS have become nearly ubiquitous in our environment. These “Forever Chemicals” in urban areas near San Diego are more likely to be in household water than many other regions of the nation, according to a study done by ScienceDirect.

Researches estimated that at least 45% of drinking water across the nation could contain one or more of the chemicals. In Southern California alone, an ABC7 analysis showed PFAS was found in more than 200 water systems, servicing more than 18 million people at some point over the last 10 years.

Since 2019, the California State Water Resources Control Board has been proactively researching and testing for PFAS. Throughout the year, the set response levels for drinking water were maintained at 10 parts per trillion for PFOA and 40 parts per trillion for PFOS. The Division of Drinking Water also recently set response levels for two more PFAS variants: Perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS) and Perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS). In 2022, the Board introduced a new PFAS Monitoring Order, which mandates monitoring of these four PFAS substances and an additional 21 related chemicals, starting in the early part of 2023.

There is no way for you prevent PFAS contamination in the environment, but you can make sure the water you’re drinking is PFAS free. If there is good news regarding PFAS water contamination, it’s that they can be treated and removed from water with the right filtration. For example, several methods, like carbon filtration, ion exchange, and reverse osmosis water treatment effectively remove PFAS from water.

Removing PFAS from water is a complex process that requires advanced filtration techniques. Culligan offers several products that can help address PFAS contamination. Here are a few options:

Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems: Culligan’s RO systems are highly effective in removing PFAS from water. These systems use a semipermeable membrane to filter out contaminants, including PFAS. The RO process can remove up to 99% of PFAS, providing you with clean and safe drinking water.

Whole House Water Filtration Systems: Culligan’s whole house filtration systems can remove various contaminants, including PFAS, from all the water in your home. These systems provide comprehensive filtration, ensuring that every tap in your house delivers clean and safe water.

It’s important to note that the effectiveness of these filtration systems may vary depending on the specific type and concentration of PFAS in your water. To determine the best solution for your specific needs, I recommend reaching out to a Culligan Water Expert who can assess your situation and provide personalized recommendations. They will be able to guide you through the process and help you choose the most suitable product for your home.

Pitcher filters, like those commonly used for home water filtration, may vary in their ability to remove PFAS compounds, often referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment. Some pitcher filters are designed with activated carbon filters that can help reduce certain contaminants, including PFAS, from drinking water. However, the effectiveness of pitcher filters against PFAS can vary based on the specific brand and model.

If you are concerned about PFAS contamination and want to ensure the efficacy of a pitcher filter in removing these chemicals, it’s advisable to choose a filter that explicitly states it can remove PFAS, such as Culligan’s RO system or whole home water filtration system. Always refer to the manufacturer’s specifications and certifications to determine the filter’s effectiveness against PFAS and other contaminants.

When it comes to PFAS-contaminated water, the situation can be particularly relevant to residents of San Diego, especially those serviced by Culligan. Certain areas are more susceptible to elevated levels of PFAS due to historical usage of these chemicals in various industrial and commercial activities.

Living near specific sites, such as airports or firefighter training facilities, could put residents at a higher risk of encountering water with elevated PFAS concentrations. These sites historically utilized PFAS-containing foams for firefighting exercises and emergency response drills, which could have seeped into the ground and eventually reached the water supply. As such, individuals residing near these locations might be concerned about the levels of PFAS in their tap water.

Manufacturing centers in San Diego are another area of focus when it comes to PFAS contamination. With its economic diversity, the city may have a history of manufacturing activities related to carpet production, food packaging, and various consumer goods. PFAS were commonly used in these processes due to their unique chemical properties. Over time, these chemicals might have entered the local water sources, potentially leading to higher concentrations in certain areas. This situation is particularly important to Culligan of San Diego, as a water treatment and purification company, to address potential PFAS-related concerns in their service areas.

For residents of San Diego, understanding the actual levels of PFAS in their water is crucial. Culligan, with its expertise in water treatment and purification, is well-positioned to provide essential information and potential solutions. Regular water testing and analysis can help determine the extent of PFAS contamination in various neighborhoods.

PFOA, the most notable substance of the PFAS family, was found to be a part of the manufacturing process of Teflon. The EPA sued DuPont in 2005 for failing to report a health risk to both humans and the environment. The company paid a $10.25 million settlement.

Because of PFOA and PFAS strong molecular structure, they take much longer to break down naturally than other organic chemicals.

Until 2002, PFOA were integral in producing goods which qualities repel dirt, grease, water and stains.

These contaminants can be found in the manufacturing process of a variety of products, including non-stick cookware, carpet-care liquids, treated apparel, upholstery or textiles, sealants, dental floss, floor wax and non-woven medical garments. Though PFTE non-stick cookware was proven to have PFOA levels, a recent study found levels that ranged from undetectable to 4.3 parts per billion, and it is not currently considered a major pathway for PFOA.

Just last year, United Nations experts recommended banning PFOA globally at the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. Will the United States follow suit based on recent outbreaks in California and Michigan.

According to a study from 2002-2005, people who lived in the PFOA-contaminated area around DuPont’s Washington Works facility were found to have higher levels of PFOA in their blood from drinking water. People that drank more tap water, ate locally grown fruits and vegetables, or ate local meat, were all associated with having higher PFOA levels.

Residents who used carbon filter systems had lower PFOA levels.” Studies have found that using carbon-activated filters can reduce PFOA by up to 60%.

According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, PFAS, known for their oil and water resistance, non-stick, and fire-resistant qualities, are commonly added to various everyday products used by most Americans such as the following:

A class action lawsuit alleges Simply Tropical and Simply Orange beverages have been promoted as “All Natural” and made with “all-natural ingredients.” Nevertheless, the lawsuit contends that lab tests conducted on Simply Tropical contradict these claims, revealing the presence of PFAS, artificial chemicals that are not natural.

An analysis by Toxic-Free Future tested 60 items from various categories, discovering that 35 products, mostly leggings and yoga pants, had fluorine levels exceeding 100 parts per million, a strong PFAS indicator. Among the brands tested were Lululemon and Old Navy. Of these, three-quarters contained banned long-chain PFAS compounds. Notably, 28% of the tested products contained PFAS, with 34 out of 47 items with water-resistance claims showing PFAS presence. An additional investigation also found PFAS in popular sportswear brands, raising questions about long-term exposure risks associated with PFAS-coated clothing.

The Thinx underwear brand was involved in a lawsuit alleging their products contained PFAS after the marketed their products as a safe, sustainable product, free of harmful chemicals. The period underwear company has settled a lawsuit regarding allegations of inadequate product effectiveness and misleading advertising.

According to Green Matters, Consumer Reports detailed the levels of PFAS found in many popular carbonated water brands contain. Topo Chico, owned by Coca-Cola Co., was an extreme outlier containing 9.76 parts per trillion. Most brands tested were only slightly above 1 part per trillion, with Poland Spring at 1.66, Canada Dry at 1.24, LaCroix at 1.16 and Perrier at 1.1. As for non-carbonated water, Deer Park tested at 1.21 parts per trillion.

The EPA holds the responsibility of overseeing the regulation of drinking water standards. While PFAS regulation in drinking water has not yet been established by the EPA, they have outlined suggested Maximum Contaminant Levels of 4 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOA and PFOS. The EPA is anticipated to unveil the final regulations for PFOA and PFOS by the conclusion of 2023.

To put this into perspective, comprehending the scale of a part per trillion is essential. Picture one ppt as a single droplet of water dispersed across 20 vast Olympic-sized swimming pools or one second in 32,000 years.