News About PFAs
You may have heard or read about PFAS, which stands for “per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances.” Sometimes called “forever chemicals,” these man made substances are very persistent in the environment and can accumulate over time. Because they were deployed so widely, PFAS have been found in many places in our environment, including, in some cases, water sources.
We take all water quality issues and concerns seriously, and are committed to keeping you informed. You’ll find basic information about PFAS below as well as links to more detailed resources. As always, if you have any concerns about your drinking water or how we handle our stormwater and wastewater, please contact us at contact@greateraugustautilitydistrict.org or call our office at (207) 622-3701.
What exactly are PFAS?
They are man-made chemicals that show up in ordinary consumer products like non-stick cookware, microwave popcorn bags, flame retardant clothing, furniture and carpets, as well as other industrial products like firefighting foams.
WHAT ARE THE HEALTH EFFECTS OF PFAS?
Scientists are still learning about possible health effects from being exposed to PFAS. Some studies indicate that PFAS exposure may increase cholesterol and liver enzyme levels, interfere with the body’s hormones, affect the immune system and increase the risk of certain types of cancers. Further research is necessary, since these studies are not consistent.
WHAT ARE THE REGULATIONS?
Maine implemented a law in 2021 which sets 20 parts per trillion (ppt) as the limit for any one or the sum of six analytes sampled after water treatment and before distribution to customers.
On March 14, 2023, EPA released a proposed rule that, if finally adopted, will mean that the Riverside wells exceed the proposed standards of 4 parts per trillion for both PFOA and PFOS. The Board reviewed the proposed rule and directed management to begin the process to determine how to remove PFAS from the wells on the east side of the river. That work is ongoing now and will continue through the summer of 2024.
Read more about PFAS in the January, 2024 article in Undark that discusses Augusta's PFAS journey.
NOTICE OF PFAS WATER SAMPLE EXCEEDANCE
On November 4, 2024, a PFAS compliance water sample was collected from the two Riverside wells. The results of that sample showed the level of PFAS at 23.3 parts per trillion. This level of PFAS exceeds the 20 parts per trillion standard set by the state of Maine. We were advised of the exceedance on November 19th, 2024. The two Riverside wells were taken out of service on November 19th, 2024.
PFAS (also known as “forever chemicals”) refers to a family of chemicals that have been used for a long time in many household and industrial products. PFAS in drinking water can come from industrial or agricultural sources.
We are required by State rule to inform you of these levels, let you know the health risks and let you know what is being done to address this issue. Going forward, all drinking water will come from the three wells located near Bond Brook.
If You are Concerned About Exposure to PFAS:
Consider actions that may reduce your exposure to PFAS by using either bottled water or another alternative water source that has been verified as PFAS-free, or water that has been filtered through a device capable of reducing PFAS to non-detectable levels for drinking and cooking purposes, including food preparation and making ice. Use bottled water to
prepare water, juice, and formula for children. Boiling, filtering, or letting the water stand does not reduce PFAS levels. You may continue to use water for bathing, washing clothes and dishes, etc. If you are concerned about a specific health issue, you can consult with your doctor and take any precautions your doctor advises.
Possible Health Effects:
PFAS can build up and stay in the body for long periods of time. Scientists are still learning about the possible health effects of PFAS in drinking water. Most people have low amounts of these chemicals in their blood because the chemicals were used for several decades in many household and industrial products. Drinking water with high levels of PFAS can increase the level of these chemicals in the blood. Studies of populations with high levels of PFAS in their drinking water have reported an increased risk of kidney and testicular cancer, decreased immune system response, pregnancy-related complications, increased cholesterol levels and changes in liver enzymes.
Questions and Concerns:
For more information about PFAS and our water system, please contact Brian Tarbuck, General Manager, at btarbuck@gaud.ws, (207) 622-3701 or visit our office at 12 Williams Street, Augusta, Maine. Visit our website at: https://www.gaud.ws/pfas
For general information on PFAS and the State requirements, please visit the Maine Drinking Water Program’s website at: https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/environmental-health/dwp/pws/pfas.shtml
*If you receive this notice, please share this information/notice with other people who drink this water, especially if they may not have received this notice directly. You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.
GAUD PFAS Compliance results
| Sample date | Sample site | PFOS (ppt) |
PFOA (ppt) |
PFNA (ppt) |
PFHxS (ppt) |
PFHpA (ppt) |
PFDA (ppt) |
Sum (ppt) |
| 3/22/2023 | Triangle Station - combined | ND | ND | ND | ND | ND | ND | ND |
| 3/22/2023 | Riverside Station - combined | 3.87 |
4.66 |
ND | ND | ND | ND | 8.53 |
| 11/4/2024 | Riverside Station - combined | 9.03 |
8.05 |
<2 | 2.44 | 3.74 | <2 | 23.3 |
ND = "not detected"
| PFOS = Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid |
| PFOA = Perfluorooctanoic acid |
| PFNA = Perfluorononanoic acid |
| PFHxS = Perfluorohexane sulfonic acid |
| PFHpA = Perfluoroheptanoic acid |
| PFDA = Perfluorodecanoic acid |
RESOURCES
Learn more about PFAS at these websites: