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PFAS Contamination in Airway Heights

Complimentary Water Analysis

A Guide to PFAS and Water Quality in Airway Heights

The Timeline of PFAS Contamination in Airway Heights

1970s
1981
2012
August 2016
March 2017
May 2017
June 2017
September 2018
July 2019
November 2019
April 2021
November 2021
March 2022
March 2023
July 2023
March 2024
1970's Firefighting Foam
The Department of Defense (DOD) uses PFAS in firefighting foam to extinguish jet fuel fires. As a result, these substances have been widely introduced into the environment, leading to concerns about their potential impact on water quality
PFAS Exposure Findings
The Air Force Aerospace Medical Research Laboratory discovered that PFAS exposure causes health conditions in female rats and behavioral changes in their offspring. Consequently, these findings raise concerns about the long-term effects of PFAS on both human and animal health.
PFAS Added to EPA Contaminants
The Environmental Protection Agency included PFAS in their list of unregulated contaminants that may be a health hazard. As a result, this inclusion highlights the growing concern over the potential risks these chemicals pose to public health and the environment.
2016 Firefighting Foam
The Air Force replaced the original firefighting foam with a “new, environmentally responsible firefighting foam” that contains a newer PFAS variation. However, despite being marketed as more environmentally friendly, this foam still raises concerns due to the potential risks associated with PFAS compounds.
Military Base Testing
The DOD aims to test 395 active and closed military bases across the US to assess if perfluorinated compounds are contaminating the bases and surrounding communities’ drinking water. Consequently, this initiative is crucial for identifying potential health risks and taking the necessary steps to address contamination.
Fairchild Airforce Base PFOS Contamination
The Air Force discovered high levels of PFA, particularly PFOS and PFOA, in the drinking water wells on and around Fairchild Air Force Base in the city of Airway Heights. As a result, this finding has raised significant concerns about the safety of the local water supply and its potential impact on public health.
Airway Heights Switches to Spokane Water
Airway Heights declared the water safe to drink after securing an alternate source of uncontaminated drinking water through interconnections with the City of Spokane. Therefore, residents can now rely on a safe water supply while efforts continue to address the contamination issue.
GAC Treatment Installed in Airway Heights
The city of Airway Heights installs granular activated carbon (GAC) treatment in one of its wells, which is only used during peak summer demand. Consequently, this measure helps ensure that the water quality remains safe and meets the necessary standards during high-demand periods.
PFAS Firefighting Foam Bill
The US Senate passed a bill with the provision to end the use of PFAS firefighting foam by 2023. In contrast, the House of Representatives passed its own version with the provision to end the use of PFAS foam by 2025. Therefore, these differing timelines highlight the ongoing debate and the need for further discussions to reach a consensus.
PFAS Exposure Study
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) conducted a study to assess Airway Heights’ exposure. As a result, their findings are expected to provide valuable insights into the extent of contamination and its potential health risks for the community.
Long-Term Solution Funding
Airway Heights seeks $22 million from the US government to fund their long-term solution of developing a new uncontaminated well. Consequently, securing this funding would enable the city to provide a sustainable, safe water supply for its residents moving forward.
SEPA Review Notice
Airway Heights files for a SEPA (State Environmental Policy Act) review notice, which is the first step in the environmental review process to obtain water rights and move forward with the development. Therefore, this step is crucial in ensuring that the project meets environmental standards and progresses smoothly.
2019 Exposure Assessment
The 2019 exposure assessment study conducted by the CDC and ATSDR found that Airway Heights residents have PFAS levels 56 times higher than national levels. However, they also found that tap water samples they collected were safe to drink under the EPA’s health advisory and Washington state public health guidelines for PFAS. As a result, while the residents' exposure to PFAS is concerning, the tap water quality itself remains within safe limits according to current health standards.
Mitigated Determination of Non-Significance
Airway Heights issues a Mitigated Determination of Non-Significance under SEPA in developing a new and safe water supply. Consequently, this determination allows the city to move forward with the project while ensuring that potential environmental impacts are adequately addressed.
Spokane Airport PFAS Contamination
The Department of Ecology lists Spokane International Airport as a PFAS-contaminated site after a resident provided public records, revealing that Spokane International Airport detected PFAS levels in its groundwater wells between May 2017 and March 2019. However, these levels were not disclosed to the government, regional health district, or the surrounding communities. As a result, this lack of transparency has raised concerns about the potential health risks to local residents and the need for immediate action.
EPA Funds Water Testing
EPA is funding free water testing for 300 private and shared wells in western Spokane County, or the elongated zone east of Airway Heights—from Riverside State Park to Interstate 90 on the southern boundary of Spokane International Airport—to determine the extent of PFAS water contamination. As a result, this initiative will help identify areas most affected by contamination and guide efforts to mitigate the risks to public health.

Understanding PFAS: What Makes Them Hazardous?

What is PFAS?

PFAS, short for perfluoroalkyl and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, is prevalent in everyday items like fire-extinguishing foam and other products that resist grease, water, and oil. These non-stick persistent compounds, often dubbed “forever chemicals,” resist environmental breakdown and lead to bioaccumulation in human bodies.

Research

In scientific research, PFAS exposure has been associated with various health concerns, including fertility complications, heightened cancer risks, and endocrine disruption. Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) represent two prevalent types of PFAS found extensively across soil, air, and groundwater in the United States. As a result, health districts routinely conduct tests specifically targeting these compounds.

Water Quality of the City of Airway Heights |
14 Contaminants Detected

As of March 2021, eight potentially cancerous contaminants were detected above the Environmental Working Group (EWG) health guidelines.

Water Contaminants Detected Level in Water EWG Guideline Exceed EWG Guidelines
Arsenic 0.600 ppb 0.004 ppb 150x EWG's health guideline
Bromodichloromethane 0.393 ppb 0.06 ppb 6.5x EWG's health guideline
Chloroform 1.43 ppb 0.4 ppb 3.6x EWG's health guideline
Dibromochloromethane 0.223 ppb 0.1 ppb 2.2x EWG's health guideline
Nitrate 2.26 ppm 0.14 ppm 16x EWG's health guideline
Nitrate and nitrite 1.41 ppm 0.14 ppm 10x EWG's health guideline
Radium, combined (-226 & -228) 0.63 pCi/L 0.05 pCi/L 13x EWG's health guideline
Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) 3.79 ppb 0.15 ppb 25x EWG's health guideline

Updated as of May 16 from https://www.ewg.org/tapwater/system.php?

PFAS on Spokane's West Plains sources, pathways, and wells at risk.

Is Your Water Affected? We Help Reveal the Answers

The guidelines for PFOS and PFOA levels in drinking water have evolved significantly. While the 2016 standards set a threshold of 70 parts per trillion (ppt) for both compounds, the latest 2022 guidelines have dramatically reduced this to 0.02 ppt for PFOS and 0.004 ppt for PFOA. This stark contrast, therefore, underscores the growing concern over even trace amounts of these contaminants in our water supply. Fortunately, however, you can proactively ensure your water meets these stringent standards.

Complimentary Water Analysis
Has My Water System Found PFAS?
Tracking PFAS in Private Wells for West Plains

Our Commitment with Airway Heights

We aim to deliver the highest-caliber water solutions to our community, while also providing unparalleled customer service and comprehensive warranty coverage. In doing so, we ensure our customers receive both top-quality products and reliable support.

Our Story with the Pacific Northwest

H2O Solutions offers educational resources, filtration systems, and maintenance services across the Pacific Northwest to effectively address each home's unique water quality challenges. As a result, we provide tailored solutions that meet the specific needs of every household.

Our Guiding Principles

We take pride in our dedication to our community and employees, as we strive to fulfill the right to clean and healthy water through affordable solutions. In doing so, we ensure that both our customers and team members benefit from our commitment to quality and care.

How to Have Safe Drinking Water During the PFAS Water Crisis

Health districts, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), are urgently investigating the extent of water contamination in Western Spokane County. In the meantime, you must take independent steps to ensure the safety of your drinking water. By doing so, you can safeguard yourself and your loved ones with healthy drinking water that you can trust.

The EPA recommends these specific types of water filters known to reduce PFAS contamination effectively:

  • Granular Activated Carbon (GAC)
  • Reverse Osmosis (RO) systems
  • Ion Exchange Resins

Remember the 14 contaminants the water of the city of Airway Heights have? If you want your water to be completely safe to drink, here are the filters based on what other contaminants they can remove.

Contaminants Above EWG Health Guidelines Granular Activated Carbon Reverse Osmosis Ion Exchange Resins
Arsenic Yes Yes
Bromodichloromethane Yes Yes
Chloroform Yes Yes
Dibromochloromethane Yes Yes
Nitrate Yes Yes
Nitrate and nitrite Yes Yes
Radium, combined (-226 & -228) Yes Yes
Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) Yes Yes
Barium Yes Yes
Bromoform Yes Yes
Chromium (total) Yes Yes
Fluoride Yes Yes
Manganese Yes
Trichloroethylene Yes Yes

Ensure the Water Filter System’s PFAS-Reducing Water Certification

Residential EcoWater System
Commercial EcoWater System

Whatever type of water filter you choose, be sure to check if it has the NSF/ANSI 53 or NSF/ANSI 58 standards for PFAS reduction. This, in turn, will give you peace of mind regarding the quality of your drinking water. Additionally, explore our Residential and Commercial Water Systems, which we can install for you.

Taking Action: Ensuring Clean Drinking Water for Today and Tomorrow

 

In the wake of the revelation of elevated PFAS levels in Airway Heights’ groundwater wells, proactive measures are, therefore, essential to safeguarding the water quality of both homes and communities. To address this, here’s a roadmap for action in removing contaminated water

#1

Get a Water Quality Analysis

#2

Install a Certified PFAS-Reducing Water Filter

#3

Enjoy Healthy Drinking Water

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