UNREGULATED COMPOUNDS
A message from Water Director Jing Luo:
The Town of Marana Water Department is dedicated to providing high-quality water services to our customers. On June 15, 2022, EPA released interim drinking water health advisories for PFAS which are significantly lower than the existing levels. Due to this recent change, additional Marana Water wells may be impacted. The interim health advisories for PFAS compounds are not final. We anticipate more changes to come in the coming year.
At Marana Water, we take a steady and proactive approach to continue delivering the highest quality water possible to the community. Currently, no action by municipal water utilities is required. Nevertheless, Marana Water staff is acting on the following:
Volunteer-based monitoring of water quality. This is not a required action, but the Town of Marana has been doing this as part of our regular operations since 2017 and will continue to do so.
Work closely with the water quality testing lab to explore reliable ways to determine the feasibility of testing PFAS-related substances at the much lower concentrations.
Constantly monitoring the regulatory movements of EPA and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ).
Actively seeking financial assistance from state and federal sources.
For more information on the unregulated compounds and an Interactive Water Quality Map, please see below:
PFAS FAQS:
WHAT IS PFOA AND PFOS? HOW IS IT USED?
PFOA and PFOS are part of a larger group of chemicals called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs) that were widely used in commercial products. They have a strong ability to repel other compounds so they were commonly used as stain protection on fabrics and clothing, non-stick cookware, furniture protection, paper food packaging protection (i.e. microwave popcorn bags, to-go food containers, etc.), as well as in firefighting foams. Most of the companies that use these compounds have phased out their use over the last ten years. However, because the compounds are highly stable and resistant to breakdown, they are commonly still found in the environment.
HOW CAN PFOA AND PFOS IN THE WATER AFFECT MY HEALTH?
The USEPA is continually testing and researching the likelihood that these compounds can be harmful in drinking water. While the research continues, the USEPA has established a lifetime health advisory of 70 parts per trillion for combined concentrations of PFOA and PFOS in order to protect the most sensitive populations: fetuses during pregnancy and breastfed and/or formula-fed infants. Those included in the sensitive populations who consume water from a water system that has shown PFAs levels greater than the health advisory, you may want to take steps to limit or avoid consumption of water directly from the tap. While the department works on the next steps to address this issue, you may be able to treat water at home to reduce the levels of these compounds.
SHOULD I STOP BREASTFEEDING mY INFANT?
EPA encourages women and people who are currently pregnant, nursing, or bottle feeding an infant with formula to consult with their physician regarding concerns related to breastfeeding and potential exposure to chemicals such as PFOA, PFOS, GenX chemicals, and PFBS. For more information about PFAS and breastfeeding, visit the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.
WHAT CAN I DO TO REDUCE MY EXPOSURE TO PFAS?
With respect to PFAs, there are two types of treatment that have shown to be somewhat effective in reducing or eliminating these compounds from the water. These treatments are activated carbon and reverse osmosis. Activated carbon filters are relatively common and can be found at most grocery stores and home improvement stores. Examples of these devices are filtering water pitchers and in-line refrigerator filters. Use of these devices has shown a positive effect in reducing or eliminating PFAs, as well as others. Here is a link to a study using University of Arizona research showing the effectiveness of a few of these devices. All in home treatment devices require consistent maintenance and care in order to remain effective.
Does bathing/showering with my tap water present a health risk?
Studies have shown that only a small amount of PFAS can get into your body through skin. Hence, neither bathing nor showering are likely to be primary routes of PFOA, PFOS, GenX chemicals, or PFBS exposure.
Can I boil PFAS out of my water?
No. These chemicals cannot be removed by heating or boiling water.
Should I drink bottled water?
Deciding whether to buy and drink bottled water is a personal choice. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates food, including bottled water. The FDA has not established standards for any PFAS in bottled water at this time, but now that EPA has finalized these standards, FDA is required under Section 410 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to evaluate what PFAS standards are appropriate for bottled water.
FDA has analyzed for PFAS in bottled water (carbonated and non-carbonated) through a targeted survey (2016) and through the FDA’s Total Diet Study samples. Results from the studies did not detect PFAS in any sample. The FDA is currently conducting an additional targeted survey for PFAS in bottled water and results will be posted on the FDA’s website when complete. If you have questions about bottled water, please contact the FDA at: 1-888INFO-FDA (1-888-463-6332).
Individuals who are concerned about PFAS in their water may wish to consider in-home water treatment filters that are certified to lower PFAS levels in water. Learn more about these filters: https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2024-04/water-filter-fact-sheet.pdf.
Should I use a filter to reduce levels of PFAS in my water?
The more you reduce your exposure to PFAS, the more you reduce your risk. Many water pitcher filters and other home-based water filters are able to reduce the levels of PFAS in drinking water. If you decide to use a filter, look for ones that are certified to reduce PFAS. Be aware that current filters on the market will not yet be certified to reduce PFAS to the new EPA standard, but the added filtration they provide can help reduce your exposure. For more information: https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2024-04/water-filter-factsheet.pdf.
If systems have five years to comply with the rule, what should I do until then if I’m concerned about PFAS in my water?
EPA understands that the PFAS final rule will require some public water systems to make significant investments and that it will take time for them to plan and construct the treatment systems or take other actions they need to comply. That’s why the rule allows systems the flexibility and time to determine the best solutions for their community.
EPA also understands that people may be concerned about the PFAS in their drinking water today. If you are concerned about PFAS in your drinking water, EPA recommends contacting your local water utility. Your utility can tell you more about your drinking water, including what contaminants may be present, if they are monitoring for PFAS, what the levels are, and to see whether any actions are being taken. Some public drinking water systems may not have this information at this time. If you choose to test your water yourself, it is important to use a state-certified laboratory using EPA-developed testing methods. You can also contact your state environmental protection agency or health department and your local water utility to find out what actions they recommend. If you remain concerned about PFAS in your drinking water, you may consider installing in-home water treatment (e.g., filters) that are certified to lower the levels of PFAS in your water. For more information: https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2024-04/water-filter-fact-sheet.pdf.
more RESOURCES:
EPA Questions & Answers: PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) definition Sources and causes
Drinking water Contaminants Standards
PFAS Fact Sheet
Contact the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ)
Drinking Water Health Advisories for PFOA and PFOS
Questions and Answers: Drinking Water Health Advisories for PFOA, PFOS, GenX Chemicals and PFBS
Interactive Water Quality Map
Use the map below to check the water quality of your residence:
1,4 - Dioxane
WHAT IS 1,4-DIOXANE? HOW IS IT USED?
1,4-dioxane is solvent stabilizer that is commonly used with other chemicals and products such as paints and waxes. It is also found in many regular household items such as shampoos, colognes, perfumes, and even some food products.
HOW CAN 1,4-DIOXANE IN THE WATER AFFECT MY HEALTH?
Toxicological studies have yet to positively prove 1,4-dioxane is carcinogenic. However, the EPA is currently studying the effects of 1,4-dioxane in drinking water. They currently believe it is "likely" to cause cancer with long term exposure, though not definitive. The current guideline for drinking water is on a calculated risk potential that a person may have a one in one million chance for a health affect after drinking 2 liters per day for 70 years of water that is at or above a concentration of 0.35 ppb.
WHAT CAN I DO TO REDUCE MY EXPOSURE TO 1,4-DIOXANE?
Since it is so widely used in common household products, people are exposed to 1,4-dioxane in many areas of their lives. Review the list of compounds included in personal care and household products to identify if they contain any of the following words: PEG, Polyethylene, Polyethylene Glycol, Polyoxyethylene, -oxynol, -eth. Exposure to 1,4-dioxane can often be associated with the use of personal care products that contain these types of ingredients.
QUICK LINKS FOR 1,4-DIOXANE
If you would like to contact the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) regarding unregulated compounds, click here.
