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City briefed on PFAS in drinking water; well treatment shows non‑detect post‑treatment
Summary
An outside attorney explained PFAS contamination sources and treatment options to the Atwater City Council; the city reported post‑treatment samples from wells 16 and 18 were non‑detect, and staff said regular sampling and state reporting are ongoing.
An outside counsel with experience in water‑contamination cases told the Atwater City Council that per‑ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widespread, persistent, and costly to remove, and he described treatment technologies and likely local sources.
Daniel Boone of Miller & Axline — who identified himself as an attorney who represents water providers — gave a technical overview linking PFAS to products and firefighting foams, noting that aqueous film‑forming foam used at Castle Air Force Base is a plausible source for contamination near Atwater. "Our investigation so far indicates that AFFF is probably the main source," Boone said, and he explained how PFAS can migrate into groundwater and reach municipal wells.
Boone described granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration and sampling protocols; he told the council that Atwater already has carbon treatment vessels at well 16 and well 18. City staff later confirmed that post‑treatment sampling at wells 16 and 18 showed PFAS results "non‑detect," indicating the installed treatment systems are removing detectable PFAS levels before water enters the distribution system.
Why it matters: PFAS are classified as persistent "forever chemicals" because they break down slowly and can accumulate in drinking‑water supplies. Treatment typically requires specialized filtration or carbon treatment and ongoing monitoring; cost and long‑term management are significant considerations for utilities.
Council follow up: Councilmembers asked for clarification on which wells have been tested, frequency of sampling and where results are posted. Staff said test results are submitted to the State Water Resources Control Board and encouraged residents to contact the city for detailed sample records. City staff also said they are monitoring regulatory developments and potential legal avenues for cost recovery if contamination sources can be traced to responsible parties.
Sources: Presentation by Daniel Boone, Miller & Axline, and city staff updates during the May 12 Atwater City Council meeting.
