Officials discover concerning substances in US drinking water supply: ‘Wait-and-see’ – The Cool Down

Report on PFAS Contamination in Hermiston, Oregon, and Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

Executive Summary

In 2023, testing revealed the presence of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in the public water supply of Hermiston, Oregon, at levels exceeding the federal maximum containment level. Despite this finding, local and state officials have adopted a delayed approach to remediation, citing cost concerns and regulatory uncertainty. This situation presents significant challenges to the achievement of several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those concerning public health, clean water, and effective governance.

Impact on SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

The contamination of Hermiston’s water supply directly contravenes the core mission of SDG 6, which aims to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. The failure to address the presence of these “forever chemicals” compromises the safety of public drinking water.

• Testing conducted in 2023 as part of an expanded state initiative confirmed that at least one PFAS chemical exceeded the federally established maximum containment level.
• City officials have stated their intention to “wait-and-see” before implementing mitigation strategies, pending identification of the contamination source and further regulatory guidance.
• This inaction directly impedes progress toward Target 6.1: to achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.

Implications for SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

The presence of PFAS in drinking water poses a direct threat to public health, undermining the objectives of SDG 3, which seeks to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. PFAS are persistent chemicals that accumulate in the body and are linked to severe health conditions.

• Scientific studies have linked exposure to certain PFAS with adverse health outcomes, including:
  1. Thyroid disease
  2. Infertility and reproductive issues
  3. High cholesterol
  4. Increased risks of asthma
  5. Development of certain cancers
• Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that PFAS are present in the blood of 97% of Americans, highlighting a widespread public health challenge that requires proactive management to protect community well-being.

Institutional Response and SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

The response from various levels of government highlights challenges related to SDG 16, which calls for effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions. The delay in regulatory enforcement and local action demonstrates a gap in institutional capacity to protect citizens from environmental health threats.

• The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had finalized regulations setting limits on PFAS pollution, but these rules were stalled by a subsequent administration.
• The Oregon Health Authority is awaiting a final federal ruling from the EPA before taking definitive action.
• Non-governmental organizations, such as Oregon Rural Action, are fulfilling a critical advocacy role by pressuring government bodies for cleaner groundwater, demonstrating civil society’s function in holding institutions accountable.

Broader Context: SDG 11 and SDG 12

This issue also relates to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). Access to safe water is a cornerstone of a sustainable and resilient city. Furthermore, the widespread presence of PFAS, which are used in hundreds of consumer and industrial products, underscores the urgent need for more responsible production patterns and the sound management of chemicals and wastes throughout their life cycle to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment.

Current Measures and Future Outlook

While the official response has been delayed, some proactive measures are being initiated to address the contamination and its underlying causes. These actions are crucial for aligning with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

• Local governments are funding projects to connect homes with private wells to more stringently regulated municipal water systems.
• The state of Oregon has established a plan to have every public water system tested for PFAS by the end of 2027.
• Advocacy from nonprofit groups continues to raise awareness and demand action on both PFAS and rising nitrate levels in local waterways.

SDGs Addressed in the Article

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

  • The article directly connects the presence of PFAS chemicals in drinking water to significant health risks. It states that “Some exposures to certain PFAS have been linked to thyroid disease, infertility, high cholesterol, higher risks of asthma, and some cancers,” highlighting a direct threat to the well-being of the population consuming the contaminated water.

• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

  • This is the central theme of the article. The discovery of PFAS in the Hermiston water supply, exceeding the “federal maximum containment level,” is a clear issue of water quality and safety. The entire discussion revolves around the contamination of public drinking water and the delayed response to ensure its safety for consumption.

• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

  • The article identifies PFAS as man-made “forever chemicals” found in “hundreds of everyday items,” from “nonstick pans to our favorite raincoats.” This points to the source of the pollution being industrial production and consumer products, which relates to the management of chemicals throughout their lifecycle.

Specific SDG Targets Identified

1. Target 3.9: Substantially reduce deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and pollution

   • The article discusses the contamination of the water supply by PFAS, which are identified as hazardous chemicals. The text explicitly links these chemicals to various illnesses, thereby making the reduction of exposure to them a direct effort towards achieving this target.

2. Target 6.1: Achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water

   • The water in Hermiston is no longer considered safe due to PFAS levels exceeding federal maximums. Although the Assistant City Manager states the water is “safe to drink,” this is contradicted by the test results and known health risks. The situation described is a failure to provide safe drinking water, which is the core of this target.

3. Target 6.3: Improve water quality by reducing pollution

   • The presence of PFAS in the water is a form of chemical pollution. The article discusses the need to address this contamination, which aligns with the goal of improving water quality by minimizing the “release of hazardous chemicals and materials.” The mention of rising nitrate levels also points to a broader issue of water pollution in the area.

4. Target 12.4: Environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes

   • PFAS are described as “forever chemicals” that are “incredibly difficult to filter out of the water and our bodies.” This highlights a failure in the management of these chemicals throughout their lifecycle, leading to their release and persistence in the environment, directly contravening the objective of this target.

Indicators for Measuring Progress

• Concentration of PFAS in Drinking Water

  • The article explicitly mentions that tests “revealed that Hermiston exceeded the federal maximum containment level for at least one of the forever chemicals.” This measurement of chemical concentration against a safety standard is a direct indicator of water quality and safety (Targets 6.1 and 6.3).

• Proportion of Water Systems Tested

  • The article implies this indicator by stating that the state plans “to have every water system tested for PFAS by the end of 2027.” Tracking the percentage of systems tested is a clear way to measure the progress of monitoring and assessment efforts related to water safety.

• Incidence of Health Issues Linked to PFAS

  • The article implies this indicator by listing specific health risks associated with PFAS exposure, such as “thyroid disease, infertility, high cholesterol, higher risks of asthma, and some cancers.” Monitoring the rates of these illnesses in the affected population would be an indicator for Target 3.9, measuring the health impact of chemical contamination.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

Source: thecooldown.com