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About Drinking Water

PFAS

About Drinking Water

PFAS

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According to California State Water Resources Control Board, PFAS are a large group of manmade chemicals commonly found in consumer and industrial products. PFAS stands for per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances.

PFAS are widely used for a variety of home and industrial uses because they are resistant to heat, water, and oil.

They are commonly found in every American household in products, such as non-stick cookware, cosmetics, cardboard and furniture.

What is known about PFAS?

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):

PFAS are found in the blood of people and animals all over the world and are present at low levels in a variety of food products and in the environment.
PFAS are found in water, air, fish, and soil at locations across the nation and the globe.
Exposure to PFAS over a long period of time can cause cancer and other illnesses.

What does the City do about PFAS?

The Department of Utilities monitors City of Sacramento drinking water and does extensive testing – including testing for PFAS - at each of its drinking water sources.

If a water source exceeds certain levels for PFAS, it is taken out of the City’s water distribution system.

Is my water safe to drink?

The City of Sacramento’s drinking water continues to meet all Federal and State drinking water standards and is safe to drink.

For detailed information on the City of Sacramento’s drinking water quality, visit the water quality data portal, or download the latest Consumer Confidence Report.

How is PFAS in drinking water regulated?

The California State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water sets reporting guidelines for PFAS.

The Environmental Protection Agency recently established an enforceable national primary drinking water standard, called "Maximum Contaminant Levels," for several types of PFAS known to occur individually and as mixtures in drinking water.

All public water systems will have a three year period to complete initial monitoring for these chemicals and to come into compliance with the new standards.

Public water systems must inform the public of the level of PFAS measured in their drinking water.

Where PFAS is found at levels that exceed these standards, agencies must reduce PFAS in their drinking water within five years.

The City has been actively monitoring PFAS levels in its source water since 2019 and informs its customers about drinking water quality in an annual Consumer Confidence Report.

City staff will continue to work with its regulating agency, the State Water Resources Control Board, to ensure it continues to meet Federal and State drinking water standards, including changes to PFAS regulations.

Where can I find more information?

For the latest State and Federal PFAS information, visit the California State Water Resources Control Board or the US EPA.

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