On April 10, 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized the national primary drinking water standards for 6 types of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). This new standard sets Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for these PFAS compounds. An MCL is the maximum allowable concentration of a substance in drinking water; this is the level the utility is required to stay below.

The new standards will monitor and regulate as follows:

Due to decades of production and use, PFAS compounds are prevalent in the environment. These compounds are widely found in many important and useful consumer products, such as non-stick cookware, food packaging, dental floss, stain and water-repellant products, and even cosmetics. They are also used in some industrial-scale manufacturing and in products such as fire-fighting foam.

Because of their chemical structure, these compounds do not break down easily through natural environmental degradation, for that reason, they are often referred to as “forever chemicals”.  Over time, these substances make their way into surface water, groundwater, soil and air. 

Leesburg has been proactively sampling for several PFAS chemicals since 2021, including those captured under the new regulation. To date, no Town of Leesburg samples have detected the compounds at or above the new regulatory levels set by the EPA.  While results of the Town’s testing are encouraging, these compounds are very common in the environment, and it is reasonable to expect detectable levels to be present in the water from time to time. 

The Town of Leesburg will continue PFAS occurrence testing in 2024 and beyond.

Learn more about PFAS compounds, testing results, and what we’re doing to limit their occurrence in our drinking water on our FAQ Page.

Learn more about the new EPA PFAS Standards HERE.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You can learn more about your drinking water in the annual water quality report.