KENNEWICK, Wash. – The city of Kennewick has detected low levels of PFOS, a type of PFAS chemical, in its drinking water. These chemicals are manmade, unregulated and are associated with various health risks. The city is actively working to address the issue.
Water samples taken in March from Kennewick’s Ranney Collector source revealed PFOS levels exceeding Washington’s State Board of Health action level. Jeremy Lustig, Kennewick’s Deputy Public Works Director, explained the concentration levels and their significance.
“One drop of water in 20 Olympic swimming pools is equivalent to one part per trillion. And our concentration came back at 16.7,” Lustig said. “So it’s very low concentrations. It’s not something to be overly alarmed about, and we are taking action to remove it.”
The detected levels were 16.7 parts per trillion, surpassing the board’s limit of 15 parts per trillion. PFOS chemicals, while tasteless and odorless, are prevalent in the environment due to extensive industrial and consumer use.
JoDee Peyton from the Benton Franklin Health District highlighted the health risks associated with PFOS.
“Increased cholesterol impacts on the liver, your immune system, they can increase the risk for kidney cancer, high cholesterol for pregnant women. They can have lower birth rates for the babies,” Peyton said.
The State Department of Health recommends that pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and those mixing baby formula with tap water consider alternative water sources. Peyton suggested that a reverse osmosis water filter can effectively remove these chemicals.
The city of Kennewick is working with engineers to design a treatment system aimed at removing PFAS from its water supply.
“We’ve already started the process, and we’ve hired an engineering firm to help us with the design to install new treatment that will get rid of the PFAS for us at our Ranney Collector,” Lustig said.
Lustig said the new treatment system aims to be operational by April 2028.
