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

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

1.0 Introduction: A Challenge to Clean Water and Public Health

In 2023, the detection of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in the water supply of Hermiston, Oregon, presented a significant challenge to the achievement of key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This report analyzes the situation, focusing on the implications for SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation). Despite the discovery, a delayed response from officials highlights systemic issues in environmental governance and public health protection, impacting progress toward SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).

2.0 Background of the Contamination Event

The contamination was identified following expanded state-level testing initiatives. This event underscores the persistent threat of industrial pollutants to essential resources, a core concern of SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

1. Discovery: PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” were found in Hermiston’s water supply in 2023. Testing revealed that levels for at least one PFAS compound exceeded the federal maximum containment level.
2. Testing Mandates: The Oregon Health Authority initiated limited testing in 2021, expanding the program in 2023-2024 to cover approximately 20% of the state’s public water supply.
3. Source Uncertainty: The origin of the PFAS contamination in Hermiston remains unknown, complicating remediation efforts and accountability measures.

3.0 Institutional Response and Regulatory Gaps

The response from various levels of government illustrates a critical gap in achieving SDG 16, which calls for effective, accountable, and transparent institutions. The delay in action directly threatens the well-being of the Hermiston community, undermining SDG 3 and SDG 11.

• Municipal Stance: The city of Hermiston has adopted a “wait-and-see” approach, citing the unknown source and the high cost of remediation. Officials have stated the water is safe to drink, but have not implemented immediate action plans.
• State Position: The Oregon Health Authority is awaiting a final ruling from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) before mandating action.
• Federal Stalemate: While the EPA under the Biden administration finalized rules to set limits on PFAS, these regulations were subsequently stalled, creating a policy vacuum that prevents enforcement and penalties for contamination at Hermiston’s levels.

4.0 Public Health and Environmental Impact

The presence of PFAS in drinking water is a direct threat to SDG 3. These chemicals are persistent in the environment and the human body, posing long-term health risks that disproportionately affect communities.

4.1 Health Risks Associated with PFAS

• Widespread Exposure: According to the CDC, PFAS have been found in the blood of 97% of Americans.
• Adverse Health Effects: Exposure to certain PFAS is linked to severe health conditions, including:
  • Thyroid disease
  • Infertility
  • High cholesterol
  • Increased risk of asthma
  • Certain types of cancer
• Remediation Difficulty: The chemical stability of PFAS makes them extremely difficult and expensive to filter from water sources, posing a long-term financial and technical barrier to achieving SDG 6.

5.0 Multi-Stakeholder Actions and Future Outlook

In response to governmental delays, non-state actors are advocating for public health, demonstrating the importance of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). These efforts are crucial for building resilient and sustainable communities as envisioned in SDG 11.

1. Civil Society Advocacy: Nonprofits such as Oregon Rural Action are advocating for cleaner groundwater, addressing both PFAS and rising nitrate levels.
2. Local Government Initiatives: Some local governments are funding projects to connect homes with private wells to more strictly regulated municipal water systems.
3. State-Level Planning: The Oregon Health Authority plans to have every public water system in the state tested for PFAS by the end of 2027, a crucial step toward comprehensive water quality management in line with SDG 6.

SDGs Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article

Detailed Analysis of Relevant SDGs

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • This is the most central SDG to the article. The core issue is the contamination of the public water supply in Hermiston, Oregon, with PFAS (“forever chemicals”). The article discusses the safety of drinking water, water quality testing, and the management of water resources, all of which are fundamental components of SDG 6.
2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article explicitly links PFAS exposure to significant health risks, including “thyroid disease, infertility, high cholesterol, higher risks of asthma, and some cancers.” By highlighting the presence of these harmful chemicals in drinking water and their prevalence in the blood of 97% of Americans, the article directly addresses the impact of environmental pollution on human health.
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The article points to institutional challenges and delays in addressing the contamination. The city’s “wait-and-see” approach, the stalling of federal EPA regulations, and the state awaiting a final ruling before taking action all highlight issues with the effectiveness, accountability, and transparency of governmental institutions responsible for public health and environmental protection.
4. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • The article mentions that PFAS are found in “hundreds of everyday items” like nonstick pans and raincoats. This points to the source of the pollution being industrial production and consumption patterns that do not manage chemicals in an environmentally sound way, leading to their release into the water supply.

Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified from the Article’s Content

Analysis of Specific SDG Targets

• Target 6.1: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
  • The article directly relates to this target by revealing that the water supply in Hermiston is not safe due to PFAS levels exceeding the “federal maximum containment level.” The discussion of whether the water is “safe to drink” is at the heart of this target.
• Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination.
  • The presence of PFAS, which are hazardous chemicals, in the water supply and the associated health risks (cancers, thyroid disease, etc.) directly connect to this target’s goal of reducing illnesses from water pollution.
• Target 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials…
  • The article discusses pollution from both PFAS and nitrates in local waterways. The entire problem stems from the release of hazardous chemicals into the environment, which has degraded the quality of the groundwater, directly addressing the core of this target.
• Target 12.4: …achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle… and significantly reduce their release to air, water and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment.
  • The contamination is a direct result of the failure to manage PFAS throughout their lifecycle, leading to their release into the water supply and subsequent adverse impacts on human health, as described in the article.
• Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.
  • The article’s description of the delayed response from city officials, the stalling of national regulations, and the reliance on nonprofits to advocate for action illustrates a challenge in achieving effective and accountable institutional performance.

Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article

Analysis of Progress Measurement Indicators

• Indicator 6.1.1: Proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services.
  • This indicator is directly implied. The article states that Hermiston’s water “exceeded the federal maximum containment level for at least one of the forever chemicals.” This measurement against a safety standard is a key component of determining if a water service is “safely managed.” The finding suggests that the proportion of the population in Hermiston using safely managed water is compromised.
• Indicator 6.3.2: Proportion of bodies of water with good ambient water quality.
  • The testing of the water supply for PFAS and the finding that it exceeds federal limits is a direct measurement of water quality. The mention of rising nitrate levels also contributes to the assessment of ambient water quality. These findings indicate that the local groundwater does not have “good” quality according to established standards.
• Indicator 3.9.2: Mortality rate attributed to unsafe water…
  • While the article does not provide mortality statistics, it strongly implies this indicator by linking PFAS exposure from contaminated water to serious and potentially fatal diseases like cancer. The statement that “PFAS have been found in the blood of 97% of Americans” serves as a proxy indicator for widespread exposure to a hazardous substance that contributes to illness and mortality.
• Process Indicators (Implied):
  • The article mentions several actions that can be seen as process indicators:
    • The percentage of the public water supply tested (20%).
    • The establishment of a “federal maximum containment level” for PFAS, which serves as a regulatory benchmark for measurement.
    • The state’s plan to have “every water system tested for PFAS by the end of 2027.”

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Summary Table

Source: yahoo.com