Las Cruces Municipal Water System Meets EPA, PFAS Regulation

Las Cruces Utilities (LCU) - The City of Las Cruces water system currently meets the newly released National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR) rule set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for PFAS health standards.

PFAS, which stands for Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of synthetic organofluorine chemical compounds that have multiple fluorine atoms attached to an alkyl chain.

PFASs started being used in the mid-20th century to make fluoropolymer coatings and products that resist heat, oil, stains, grease, and water. They are used in a variety of products including waterproof clothing, furniture, adhesives, food packaging, heat-resistant non-stick cooking surfaces, and the insulation of electrical wire.

On April 10, 2024, the EPA finalized the NPDWR that established legally enforceable levels, also known as Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), for six PFAS in drinking water; PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO - DA (also known as GenX Chemicals), and mixtures containing two or more PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA and PFBS. The EPA also finalized a health based, non-enforceable Maximum Contaminant Level Goals (MCLGs) for PFAS.

The table for the EPA's established MCLGs and MCLs is available online by clicking here.

The EPA also set forth guidelines for all Public Water Systems, nationwide. These guidelines are as follows:

• Public Water Systems have three years to complete initial monitoring, for these PFAS followed by ongoing compliance monitoring. Water Systems must provide the public with information on the levels of these PFAS in their drinking water beginning in 2027.
• Public Water Systems have five years, by 2029, to implement solutions that reduce these PFAS if monitoring shows that drinking water levels exceed these MCLs.
• By 2029, public water systems that have PFAS in drinking water which violates one or more of these MCLs must take action to reduce levels of these PFAS in their drinking water and must provide notification to the public of the violation.

To be proactive, ahead of the EPA regulation, Las Cruces Utilities sampled all active and inactive City-owned well sites in Las Cruces to test for PFAS. This was done in preparation for the upcoming EPA NPDWR as it was only being discussed with the EPA and Public Water Systems at that time, and not then an official rule.

Water samples were collected and analyzed from all 64 City wells in total, initial results reported all wells are in compliance. In simple terms, the City of Las Cruces water system currently meets the newly released NPDWR rule for PFAS health standards.

For information or questions, the public can refer to the EPA website: Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) | US EPA, Residents can also call or email Ronald N. Borunda, Deputy Director Water for LCU at (575) 528-3514 or [email protected].

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