Clean water is a matter of stewardship and justice. The Earth Ministry/WAIPL community has been raising this moral message within Washington State’s process to set limits for toxic PFAS chemicals in drinking water. Now, the Department of Health is finalizing their PFAS drinking water standard, and your action is needed for the final rule to set a high bar.
Unfortunately, PFAS contamination of drinking water has affected Washington communities such as Whidbey Island, DuPont, Airway Heights, and Issaquah. Most of this contamination was caused by the use of firefighting foam containing PFAS at military bases and firefighter training centers. While this toxic foam is no longer being used (thanks to bills we helped pass together!), PFAS are known as “forever chemicals” that don’t easily break down in the environment. They can hang around for years, continuing to contaminate soil and water.
The process to enact PFAS drinking water standards has now resumed after a delay while the Department of Health focused on the COVID-19 crisis. The current comment period on the nearly final rule is an opportunity for us to share our gratitude for their long, important work while still pushing for the strongest possible protections.
Here’s our take: The current proposal only sets standards for the 5 most common types of PFAS chemicals, instead of dealing with them as an entire class. If PFAS is detected above a state action level (SAL) the public must be notified, but there are not any set requirements to clean up the contamination. We want to see PFAS addressed comprehensively as a class, and we want action to be required to get PFAS concentrations back below the standard in the case of testing results above the limits set.
Help us ensure strong final protections from PFAS in drinking water – submit your comment by Sept 3!
If you’re interested in testifying on this topic at a Department of Health online hearing on October 13, please let Maddie know by emailing them at maddie@earthministry.org. We are always happy to work with you individually to craft testimony rooted in your faith values.
Thank you for speaking up for environmental justice and safe drinking water for all!
Speak Up for Clean Water: Comment on PFAS Drinking Water Standard
