Virginia water regulators have started identifying sources of PFAS contamination in state water systems, affecting millions of residents, under a new law.
Charlie Paullin reports for Virginia Mercury.
In short:
- PFAS contamination in drinking water has exceeded safe limits in 28 water systems across Virginia, serving over 2.29 million people, including in Loudoun, Fauquier, and Fairfax counties.
- The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality is working to locate PFAS sources, which may include manufacturing facilities, landfills, and biosolid applications, and to implement monitoring and reporting requirements.
- Concerns have arisen over the absence of conservation group representatives on the PFAS Advisory Committee, as mandated by the new law.
Key quote:
“Let's just go sample everything we have. That way we're not guessing, there's no questions. We can find out what we got and we can deal with it.”
— Ben Shoemaker, executive director, Fauquier County Water and Sanitation Authority
Why this matters:
PFAS, often called "forever chemicals," persist in the environment and can harm human health. Tracking their sources is critical to preventing further contamination and protecting drinking water for millions; addressing gaps in committee representation could strengthen oversight.
Related coverage: Virginia takes steps to track 'forever chemicals' in water sources
