News About PFAs
You may have heard or read about PFAS, which stands for “per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances.” Sometimes called “forever chemicals,” these man made substances are very persistent in the environment and can accumulate over time. Because they were deployed so widely, PFAS have been found in many places in our environment, including, in some cases, water sources.
We take all water quality issues and concerns seriously, and are committed to keeping you informed. You’ll find basic information about PFAS below as well as links to more detailed resources. As always, if you have any concerns about your drinking water or how we handle our stormwater and wastewater, please contact us at contact@greateraugustautilitydistrict.org or call our office at (207) 622-3701.
What exactly are PFAS?
They are man-made chemicals that show up in ordinary consumer products like non-stick cookware, microwave popcorn bags, flame retardant clothing, furniture and carpets, as well as other industrial products like firefighting foams.
WHAT ARE THE HEALTH EFFECTS OF PFAS?
Scientists are still learning about possible health effects from being exposed to PFAS. Some studies indicate that PFAS exposure may increase cholesterol and liver enzyme levels, interfere with the body’s hormones, affect the immune system and increase the risk of certain types of cancers. Further research is necessary, since these studies are not consistent.
WHAT ARE THE REGULATIONS?
Maine implemented a law in 2021 which sets 20 parts per trillion (ppt) as the limit for any one or the sum of six analytes sampled after water treatment and before distribution to customers. We have completed the sampling required and our levels are below those set by the state of Maine.
However.
On March 14, 2023, EPA released a proposed rule that, if finally adopted, will mean that the Riverside wells exceed the proposed standards of 4 parts per trillion for both PFOA and PFOS. The Board reviewed the proposed rule and directed management to begin the process to determine how to remove PFAS from the wells on the east side of the river. That work is ongoing now and will continue through the summer of 2024.
Read more about PFAS in the January, 2024 article in Undark that discusses Augusta's PFAS journey.
WHAT ARE GAUD'S TEST RESULTS?
We have found no PFAS levels above 20 ppt in any of the five wells. Sampling results are in the table below.
GAUD PFAS Compliance results
| Sample date | Sample site | PFOS (ppt) |
PFOA (ppt) |
PFNA (ppt) |
PFHxS (ppt) |
PFHpA (ppt) |
PFDA (ppt) |
Sum (ppt) |
| 3/15/2022 | Triangle Station - combined | ND | ND | ND | ND | ND | ND | ND |
| 3/15/2022 | Riverside Station - combined | 3.49 | 4.44 | ND | ND | 2.61 | ND | 10.5 |
| 11/3/2022 | Riverside Station - combined | 5.87 | 7.32 | ND | ND | 4.16 | ND | 17.4 |
| 3/22/2023 | Triangle Station - combined | ND | ND | ND | ND | ND | ND | ND |
| 3/22/2023 | Riverside Station - combined | 3.87 |
4.66 |
ND | ND | ND | ND | 8.53 |
ND = "not detected"
| PFOS = Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid |
| PFOA = Perfluorooctanoic acid |
| PFNA = Perfluorononanoic acid |
| PFHxS = Perfluorohexane sulfonic acid |
| PFHpA = Perfluoroheptanoic acid |
| PFDA = Perfluorodecanoic acid |
RESOURCES
Learn more about PFAS at these websites: