PFAS in Drinking Water
What are PFAS?
Often referred to as “forever chemicals” because they are extremely persistent in the environment, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a prominent topic of concern in today’s health and regulatory conversations.
PFAS are a large family of human-made chemicals that have been in use since the 1950s and make up a wide variety of stain-resistant, water-resistant, and non-stick consumer products. Some examples include food packaging, outdoor clothing, and non-stick pans. PFAS also have many industrial uses because of their special properties, including use in certain types of fire fighting foams used by the U.S. military, local fire departments, and airports.
Are there PFAS in the Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District’s drinking water?
Testing for these chemicals is already being performed on the District’s drinking water and no detectable levels of PFAS have been found.
The District operates three separate Washington State Department of Health regulated Group A water systems: 1) the South Shore system serving the Sudden Valley and Geneva communities; 2) the Agate Heights system serving the neighborhood around Agate Bay; 3) and the Eagleridge system serving the Eagleridge neighborhood adjacent to Bellingham city limits on the north shore of Lake Whatcom.
- The South Shore system draws water from Basin 3 of Lake Whatcom, which is treated at the Sudden Valley water treatment plant before distribution throughout Sudden Valley and Geneva. In accordance with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requirements, the District tested water from its intake for PFAS in March 2025 and no PFAS were detected.
- The source of the Agate Heights system is a groundwater well located on the Lake Whatcom north shore. Water from the well is treated at the Agate Heights water treatment plant before distribution to Agate Heights customers. In accordance with USEPA requirements, the District tested water from the groundwater well for PFAS in October 2023 and no PFAS were detected.
- The District purchases water from the City of Bellingham for distribution to Eagleridge system customers. The source of water for the City’s water system is Basin 2 of Lake Whatcom. The City conducted testing of water from its intake in April 2023 and no PFAS were detected.
Where can I get additional information?
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Washington State Department of Health
Washington Department of Ecology
City of Bellingham (Eagleridge water system source)