As water providers across the country develop treatment plans to address Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released a fact sheet about residential water filters.
There are many drinking water filters on the market, but not all filters address PFAS. If you choose to use a filter, the EPA recommends choosing one that is certified to remove or reduce PFAS. As of April 2024, filter certifications focus on removing PFOA and PFOS, which are two specific chemicals falling under the PFAS umbrella.
Filter types include charcoal, reverse osmosis systems, and ion exchange resins. Filters can range from $20 - $1,000 and most require routine maintenance. The EPA has published a bulletin to help consumers understand and purchase certified home filters: https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2024-04/water-filter-fact-sheet.pdf.
Background
PFAS is a category of manufactured chemicals 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 process, PFAS can enter water resources.
In April 2024, the EPA finalized the first-ever national standards (known as National Primary Drinking Water Regulation Maximum Contaminant Levels) for regulating PFAS in drinking water. These levels will be enforced in 2029.
The city’s source water comes from three wells as part of an aquifer system. As of the most recent EPA testing (July 27, 2023), all three wells were measuring over the EPA’s new Maximum Contaminant Level for PFOS, a specific chemical falling under the PFAS umbrella.
Currently, the City of Loveland is working with an engineering firm to develop a treatment plan to modify the city’s water treatment facility. It should be noted that, in the meantime, the city’s water satisfies all current state and federal Environmental Protection Agency standards.
More Information
As the city continues to develop its PFAS treatment plan, we will keep residents and businesses informed. Copies of previous communication about PFAS are available at https://lovelandoh.gov/559/PFAS-Drinking-Water, and city water testing results are available at htps://www.lovelandoh.gov/164/Water.
If you have questions, please contact City Hall at (513) 683-0150 or info@lovelandoh.gov.