Amid recent reports of Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) levels in numerous Greater Cincinnati water systems, the City of Loveland reminds its water customers that our water remains safe for consumption and satisfies all current state and federal Environmental Protection Agency standards.
The city provides water service through a groundwater aquifer to City of Loveland residents, as well as limited parts of Symmes Township and Miami Township.
In March 2023, the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) announced the proposed creation of the National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR). At a future date, the NPDWR will establish legally enforceable maximum levels of PFAS permitted within public drinking water.
PFAS are a category of manufactured chemicals that have been used in industry and consumer products since the 1940s. PFAS are found in numerous consumer products like nonstick cookware, waterproof clothing, cleaning products, shampoo, and makeup to name a few examples. During the manufacturing discharge process of some of these items, PFAS can enter water resources.
Following the USEPA’s announcement in March of its intent to establish standards for the presence of PFAS in drinking water, city staff met with an engineering firm that specializes in public water systems to get ahead of the issue. From that meeting, a proposal was secured to evaluate our water treatment facility and make recommendations for how our plant may need to be modified to treat PFAS levels once the NPDWR establishes benchmark levels. Initially, the city sought a loan being offered through the Ohio EPA to complete the engineering study; however, to move forward quickly, the city commenced the study using city water funds so that the city is ready when new standards are adopted. City Council authorized the study at its meeting held Nov. 28, 2023, and the study is underway.
Currently, the city — as is the case for all water systems in the State of Ohio — is not required to treat or test for PFAS in its water supply. Although, on a statewide level, the Ohio EPA has tested PFAS levels in public water systems.
PFAS levels are measured on a part per trillion (ppt) ratio, which is equivalent to one drop of water per trillion gallons. For comparison, one part per trillion is equal to one drop of ink in 20 Olympic-sized swimming pools. Per the Ohio EPA’s 2022 testing, the City of Loveland’s water falls in the 14-19 ppt range. This range is similar to other water systems located along the Little Miami River Aquifer, yet slightly greater than systems such as the City of Cincinnati, which has been noted in recent news articles.
Additionally, the city has joined a class action lawsuit led by other local municipalities against Ohio manufacturers of PFAS in an effort to try and recover additional funding sources to address potential modifications needed to our water plant to reduce PFAS and to be compliant with any future regulations.
To all our water customers, it is important we emphasize these points:
- The City of Loveland’s water remains safe for consumption.
- The City of Loveland’s water system meets all current Ohio EPA water quality requirements.
- The Ohio EPA has not set a maximum contaminant level for PFAS.
- City water testing results are shared annually through our Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). You may access reports at https://www.lovelandoh.gov/164/Water.
The city prides itself in providing our residents and businesses with quality services including safe drinking water, and we will take all steps necessary to continue doing so.
If you have questions, please contact City Hall at (513) 683-0150 or info@lovelandoh.gov.
Thank you,
David Kennedy
City Manager