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WSSC tells committee it meets current PFAS drinking-water limits and is building lab capacity
Summary
WSSC Water briefed the TIE committee on PFAS: the utility said EPA's April 2024 rule for six PFAS compounds is effective in 2029, WSSC already meets the current drinking-water standard, is building in‑house lab capacity, is participating in nearly $7M of grant-funded research, and favors source-control alongside treatment planning.
Keisha Powell, WSSC Water general manager and CEO, introduced an overview of WSSC’s PFAS work and turned the briefing over to senior scientist Priscilla To. To defined PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), explained why the compounds are persistent, and described WSSC’s approach combining increased analytic capability, targeted sampling and a 'Smart One Water' approach prioritizing source control where feasible.
To told the committee that EPA issued a new drinking-water rule in April 2024 covering six PFAS compounds and that the limits take effect in 2029; she said WSSC has nearly five years of monitoring data and ‘‘our drinking water already meets the standard.’’ To described investments to build in‑house lab capability to reduce dependence on external labs, accelerate results and cut costs, and said WSSC participates in multi‑partner watershed sampling and nearly $7 million in grant-funded research projects targeting PFAS in source waters, biosolids, and treatment/disposal techniques.
Committee members asked practical questions about sources, exposure reduction and regulation. To and WSSC government‑affairs director Monica Martina emphasized source control (firefighting foams, certain coatings and other known uses) and cross-jurisdictional cooperation to identify high‑priority sources. WSSC also confirmed it has filed lawsuits against PFAS manufacturers and offered to provide a litigation update in an appropriate forum.
