PFAS CHEMICALS
PIERCE BURCH WATER TREATMENT PLANT
2023 WATER QUALITY REPORT page 6
Why is PFAS a concern ?
What are PFAS chemicals ?
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances , also known as PFAS chemicals , have been used since the 1940s in industry and consumer products like nonstick cookware and firefighting foam . Because these substances break down slowly and can build up in the environment over time they have gained the nickname “ forever chemicals .” PFAS compounds have been found in water , air , and soil . Humans can ingest PFAS through a variety of foods , drinking water , or even through inhaling contaminated dust particles .
Exposure to PFAS substances has been shown to have harmful effects on humans , especially when exposure is over long periods of time or during pregnancy or breastfeeding . Some of the health effects linked to these compounds by the EPA include cancers , heart attacks , strokes , and developmental ( birth weight ) problems .
What is happening with PFAS ?
PFAS CHEMICALS
The federal government has taken several steps to “ restrict , remediate , and research PFAS .” On April 10 , 2024 , the Environmental Protection Agency announced the final version of the new National Primary Drinking Water Regulations ( NPDWR ) for six chemicals - PFOA , PFOS , PFBS , PFNA , PFHxS , and HFPO DA ( GenX Chemicals ). Compliance with the EPA guidelines will be determined by a running annual average of samples collected at Arlington ’ s water treatment plants . Sampling conducted in June , September , and November 2023 at the Pierce Burch Water Treatment Plant and the John F . Kubala Water Treatment Plant shows Arlington ’ s tap water is compliant with all new MCL standards for the six PFAS chemicals . For up-to-date information , visit the Arlington Water Utilities webpage at ArlingtonTX . gov and click on the Water Quality tab .
PIERCE BURCH WATER TREATMENT PLANT
Two new underground clear wells where a total of 8 million gallons of finished water can be stored are a key part of the ongoing Pierce Burch Water Treatment Plant Improvements Project .
The $ 112.5 million project will allow the plant to achieve optimal performance and have redundancies built in that increase energy efficiency and water conservation .
WINNERS OF THE VALUE OF WATER MINI-POSTER CONTEST 2023
PREK KINDERGARTEN
FIRST GRADE
Sofia
River Legacy Nature Center Education Program
SECOND GRADE
Celeste
Wimbish World Language Academy ( AISD )
THIRD GRADE
Vivian
Little Elementary ( AISD )
FOURTH GRADE
Aiden
Key Elementary ( AISD )
Isabella
Saint Maria Goretti Catholic School
Andy
Saint Maria Goretti Catholic School