Mayor Kirk Watson, City Of Austin | City Of Austin website
Mayor Kirk Watson, City Of Austin | City Of Austin website
Austin Water announced today that the results of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) water quality tests have shown little to no detectable traces of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances – or PFAS – chemicals in the City’s drinking water. The testing is part of the EPA’s Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule 5 (UCMR5), which requires measuring specific PFAS chemicals in drinking water.
Interim City Manager Jesús Garza expressed pride in the environmental protections in place to safeguard Austin's water quality, stating, “Austinites should be proud of the environmental protections that have been in place for decades to protect our water quality at the source.” These efforts, such as the Lower Colorado River Authority’s Clean Rivers Program and watershed regulations, have helped maintain the purity of Austin's water supply.
Austin Water Director Shay Ralls Roalson emphasized the utility's commitment to public health, saying, “Austin Water’s number one priority is to protect public health and keep our water safe for all of our community’s drinking water needs.” The recent test results confirm that customers are receiving high-quality water.
Kasi Clay, Austin Water's Water Quality Manager, highlighted the utility's proactive approach to monitoring PFAS levels, stating, “Austin Water has been following EPA's rule proposal on PFAS closely to determine the most appropriate testing protocols and treatment options to ensure that we continue to meet federal and state drinking water standards.”
PFAS substances, known as “forever chemicals,” have been used in various industries and consumer products since the 1940s. The EPA is currently evaluating the health risks associated with PFAS exposure in drinking water. Austin Water's efforts to monitor and maintain water quality will continue to ensure the safety of the community's drinking water.
In conclusion, Roalson reiterated Austin Water's dedication to water quality, stating, “While non-detect or low trace-level sample results are always encouraging, Austin Water remains focused on protecting our water supply and providing high-quality and reliable water services to our customers.”
For more information on Austin Water's PFAS monitoring tests, interested individuals can visit the Water Quality Reports section on AustinTexas.gov.
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