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PFAS Q & A

July 18, 2024

FAQs ABOUT THE DISTRICT’S PFAS TESTING AND WATER QUALITY

July 18, 2024

  1. Low concentrations of PFAS were detected in the District’s wells that are located approximately ½-mile from the City of Kalispell’s well that has PFAS levels above EPA limits. Are you concerned?

 

The District is aware of the City of Kalispell’s higher PFAS levels in a well that is relatively close by. The District is monitoring the City’s investigation into the PFAS levels and is in regular communication with DEQ Public Water Supply Bureau. We are working with a local water engineering firm to make sure we are taking appropriate steps to protect the safety of our water supplies. 

 

  1. Where is this PFAS coming from?

 

We understand that the City of Kalispell is trying to answer that question.  Information on the City’s plans are available on the Public Works page of Kalispell’s website. The District’s wells and City well both pump water from an exceptionally large aquifer that supplies water for both entities. Most of the District’s PFAS tests from wells that draw water from the same aquifer were “non-detect”. Low level concentrations of PFAS were detected in two of the District wells, but the concentrations detected were far below the MCL (maximum contaminant levels) set by EPA for safe drinking water. 

 

  1. How did you do the testing and are you confident the results are correct?

 

The District hired a national engineering firm and brought in a qualified engineer/tester from out of state who has experience in PFAS testing. We used a certified lab approved by EPA to perform the testing and followed all required protocols in sampling. Current research demonstrates that PFAS testing is far more likely to test “false positive” than “false negative.”

 

 

  1. When exactly will you test for PFAS again?

We will continue our testing as directed by EPA and DEQ. Right now, the next scheduled testing date is January 2025, but EPA and DEQ will determine the next date.

 

  1. What other testing do you perform to make sure the water is safe?

 

On a monthly basis, the District samples its water supplies as required by DEQ. Recently, we completed an additional round of tests required once every three years. All of those tests results met the EPA and DEQ requirements for a safe water supply.

 

  1. Where can I get more information about your testing results?

 

We provide all of our test results to DEQ. We also publish an annual report required by DEQ with test results called the Consumer Confidence Report.  It is available on our website or through DEQ.

 

  1. I’ve been drinking bottled water because of my fears about water quality. Should I continue?

Each person needs to make their own decision about the source of their drinking water and consult with health care professionals if they have concerns about water safety. If you are buying bottled water, which can be much more expensive than drinking water supplied by the District water to your tap, you should consult with the water bottling company about their testing to see if it is as stringent and transparent as the District’s testing.   The District is fully committed to providing safe, reliable, cost-effective drinking water.  We are confident that our water is a great choice for customers and visitors in Evergreen.

  1. Where can I get more information about PFAS?

There is information posted on our website and on EPA’s web page.  DEQ.mt.gov also has helpful information about PFAS. If you are a customer, please sign up on our website to receive updates on testing as we post them. Follow us on Facebook where we post all the updates we post to our website.