Austin Water report shows few traces of ‘forever chemicals’ in drinking water – Austin Monitor

Introduction

Austin Water released a report on Tuesday indicating that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has found “little to no detectable traces” of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the city’s drinking water. PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” have been linked to birth defects and cancer.

Test Results

According to the report, Austin Water conducted tests on all three of the city’s water treatment plants in October, and the results were verified by the EPA. The tests showed no detectable amounts of the six PFAS compounds currently proposed for regulation by the EPA in treated tap water.

However, one PFAS chemical, perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA), was found in drinking water in the range of “5-8 parts per trillion.” The EPA has not set a health advisory level for this compound, and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality reports that PFBA is commonly found around the state.

Sustainable Development Goals

Austin Water highlighted the importance of environmental protection programs in keeping the city’s water clean. These programs, including the LCRA’s Clean Rivers Program and land and water use regulations, contribute to the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water). The Highland Lakes, where Austin gets its water supply, are less impacted by industries and activities that produce contaminants like PFAS.

Future Testing

Austin Water mentioned that they are awaiting the analysis and review by the EPA of a second round of water samples taken earlier this year. Two additional rounds of PFAS testing will be conducted by the end of the year. The test results and verification process typically take approximately 90 days.

Conclusion

Austin Water emphasized that their top priority is to protect public health and ensure safe drinking water for the community. They are pleased with the current test results, which confirm that customers are receiving high-quality water. Continued monitoring and testing will help maintain water quality standards and support the achievement of SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).

Background Information

PFAS chemicals have been in use since the 1940s and can be found in various products. They are commonly present in firefighting foam used to extinguish fires caused by flammable liquids. Efforts are being made to reduce PFAS contamination, such as the Department of Defense’s decision to stop purchasing firefighting foam containing PFAS. However, previous reports have indicated PFAS pollution in groundwater at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.

Additional Details

Austin Water conducted PFAS monitoring tests between October 2013 and July 2014, and no detections were found in the samples analyzed.

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SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials.
• SDG 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
• SDG 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water, and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Presence or absence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the city’s drinking water.
• Detectable amounts of PFAS compounds in treated tap water.
• Concentration of perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) in drinking water.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

SDGs	Targets	Indicators
SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation	6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials.	– Presence or absence of PFAS in the city’s drinking water. – Detectable amounts of PFAS compounds in treated tap water.
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being	3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.	– Presence or absence of PFAS in the city’s drinking water. – Concentration of PFBA in drinking water.
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production	12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water, and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment.	– Presence or absence of PFAS in the city’s drinking water. – Detectable amounts of PFAS compounds in treated tap water.

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: austinmonitor.com

 

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