PFAS

What is PFAS? Click here for more information from South Carolina Rural Water Association regarding PFAS

What is Bamberg BPW doing?

As of April 19, 2023, Bamberg Board of Public Works’ source water has been tested for PFAS during sampling by DHEC in November of 2022.  From these tests, the results were non-detect (meaning at levels not detectable).  However, following the results of the sample, DHEC has not set a standard Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for PFAS.  It’s not clear at this time, how often and where we will be required to sample.

Where is PFAS found?

Unfortunately, it’s in many of the products and foods you have already consumed for years.  In Chocolate Cake?!?  Yes! 17,000+ Parts Per Trillion.  Roughly, 250x the limit EPA has suggested for Drinking Water but Chocolate Cake isn’t regulated like Drinking Water…..

For perspective, Parts Per Trillion is a very stringent level of testing.  Meaning that the amount of PFAS in Drinking Water or any other product is measured on a micro scale.  For instance, the MCL for Lead in Drinking Water is measured in Parts Per Billion.  To understand how these standards are set, MCL’s are set at very stringent levels. To understand the possible health effects described for many regulated constituents, a person would have to drink 2 liters of water every day at the MCL level for a lifetime to have a one-in-a-million chance of having the described health effect.

In summary, PFAS chemicals aren’t new but EPA’s healthy advisories are.  Bamberg BPW will take the measures necessary to deliver quality and safe drinking water to our customers.