Testing finds ‘forever chemicals’ negligible in Austin’s water

A year of water quality testing has determined that Austin’s water supply has “little to no detectable traces” of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), according to a press release put out by Austin Water. Exposure to PFAS, called “forever chemicals,” is currently being evaluated by the Environmental Protection Agency in order to provide guidance about health risks to the public. As part of that effort, the EPA tested Austin’s water, finding that no additional action was needed to address the low levels that were found. “This great news validates decades of work to protect and safeguard our water at its source,” Austin City Manager T.C. Broadnax said in a statement to the press. “Austin’s embrace of strong environmental protections to reduce pollution in the Highland Lakes has played a vital role in keeping our water supply safe and clean.” According to the press release, “PFAS testing first began in October 2023 in accordance with the EPA’s Fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule. The rule required drinking water providers, like Austin Water, to measure the level of 29 specific PFAS chemicals – six of which will soon be regulated. The quarterly tests were conducted over a 12-month period. Results will be used to determine requirements for testing, treatment, and future regulations surrounding PFAS in communities that have experienced detection and/or exceedance levels.” The test results are available to the public at both the EPA website and at Water Quality Reports | AustinTexas.gov.