TWU Water Test Results for UCMR5 and Non-Regulatory PFAS: 2023 Sampling Analysis

Tyler Water Utilities

WATER TEST RESULTS

UCMR5 and Non-Regulatory PFAS

2023 Sampling Analysis

What does it mean?

PFAS

Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of chemicals made by humans and used in everyday items like non-stick cookware, waterproofing and stain-resistant materials, and personal care products. These PFAS can get into the environment and have been found in soil, water, and air. They can stay in the body for a long time and may cause health problems. To protect people's health, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set a health advisory level for PFAS in drinking water.

UCMR5

The UCMR5 program is a rule developed by the EPA in the United States. Its purpose is to monitor and report on 29 PFAS that are suspected of being present in drinking water. The program helps the EPA understand whether these PFAS should be regulated in the future to ensure safe drinking water for everyone. The information is important for public water systems. On April 10, 2024, the EPA announced Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCL) for five PFAS and a Hazard Index for mixtures of three or more regulated PFAS.

Why and how we test The EPA has mandated that public water systems of a specific size test the water in their treatment plants for 29 newly discovered PFAS under the UCMR5 rule. Although not required, TWU has also started testing the raw source water to ensure water quality and safety.

We have completed the required quarterly testing for 2023, but we will continue to monitor these emerging PFAS every quarter in both the raw and treated water.

When our analysts collect samples for testing, they must avoid using the following items to minimize introducing PFAS into the samples: Personal care products such as cosmetics, moisturizers, fragrances, and creams Clothing containing Gore-Tex or Scotchgard New clothing Tyvek clothing Post-It Notes Waterproof field books Chemical (blue) ice packs Sharpie or permanent markers Latex gloves

Results Most PFAS not detected

Proactive approach

Most of the 29 PFAS were not detected in the samples taken of both the raw and treated water. We analyzed 464 samples with only 25 detections. Not detecting the PFAS in the raw source water is reassuring. PFAS are unlikely to be introduced during the water treatment process.

At this point, it is not required to test the raw water sources for the 29 PFAS. However, to make the best, well-informed decisions, we wanted to test our water sources as well. We discovered that most contaminants were not detected in either source, meaning we have good water quality!

Lake Palestine

Oct. 16 testing

Three PFAS were consistently detected at Lake Palestine and its water treatment plant. However, the specific PFAS detected are not regulated by the EPA. We believe we can find these at Lake Palestine and not Lake Tyler because Palestine is a bigger lake receiving water runoff from various sources, including farming and agriculture.

Two regulated PFAS with set MCLs were detected at Lake Palestine on Oct. 16. However, these were only detected once and not detected in the following tests completed on Oct. 17 and Oct. 23. We believe these are test anomalies and not reasons for concern at this moment.

PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation On April 10, 2024, the EPA announced the final National Primary Drinking Water Regulation for six PFAS chemicals. PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, PFHxS, and HFPO-DA will be regulated individually. PFBS doesn’t have a set MCL but will be counted as a chemical that will affect the Hazard Index.

Moving forward, we will begin initial monitoring, which will be completed by 2027. In 2027, public water systems will begin quarterly compliance monitoring with four samples taken each year to evaluate the PFAS compounds at each entry point to the distribution system.

The Future Taste and odor are the hardest things to treat in water. While we work with a contractor and pilot programs to improve the taste and smell of our water, we will also be evaluating filtering options for these emerging PFAS.

How to read the data ND

Levels of these PFAS were not detected above the MRL.

Blue Numbers

These PFAS were detected but are below the regulatory levels.

Red PFAS PFAS regulated by the EPA

PPT

All levels are measured in Parts Per Trillion (ppt). This means 1 ppt = 1 drop of water in an Olympic-size pool.

Yellow Numbers

These PFAS were detected above the MCL.

Green Numbers

No regulatory levels have been proposed for these PFAS.

How to read the data MRL

MCL

Minimum Reporting Levels for the UCMR5 program. MRL does not necessarily mean it is being regulated. The set MRLs are also the minimum levels at which each PFAS can be detected.

Maximum Contaminant Levels for six PFAS being regulated by the EPA

Hazard Index

The Hazard Index (HI) calculates how hazardous certain PFAS would be when combined. Three or more regulated PFAS need to be present above their MCL for the HI to be calculated.

2023 Water Test Results Measured in Parts Per Trillion (PPT)

2023 Water Test Results Measured in Parts Per Trillion (PPT)

No PFAS detected in Lake Tyler!

Two anomalies in the test results. We will continue to monitor these closely.

Only three PFAS were consistently detected in Lake Palestine, but these are not proposed to be regulated.