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FAQ for Solebury Water System Public Notice – January 2025

Updated: January 14, 2025

You are not affected if you DO NOT receive your drinking water from BCWSA.

This is NOT an emergency situation, and you may continue to drink the water.  This notice only applies to customers served by the Solebury Water System. 

BCWSA works diligently to deliver the highest quality drinking water to its customers.  We invest in replacing and upgrading aging infrastructure and continuously make improvements to ensure that we meet upcoming water regulations.  Sometimes circumstances beyond our control may affect the quality of the drinking water.  One such situation occurred in the Solebury Water System and a public notice was issued.  A copy of the public notice can be found here.

Why was a public notice issued?

A new regulation was issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP) for perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA).  The regulation set the maximum contaminant level (MCL) at 18 parts per trillion (18ng/L) for PFOS and 14 parts per trillion (14ng/L) for PFOA.  Compliance for these compounds is based off a running annual average (RAA) that is calculated quarterly.  Sample results were received for the fourth quarter of 2024 and RAAs were calculated.  When this was done, one of the entry points in the Solebury System had a RAA that exceeded the new MCL for PFOA of 14ng/L.  The calculated RAA found in your water was 14.8ng/L.

What are PFOS and PFOA?

PFOS and PFOA are chemicals that are part of a larger group referred to as perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).  These are human-made chemicals and do not occur naturally in the environment.  They have been used to make items that are resistant to water, grease, or stains such as cookware, carpets, and packaging.  They are also used in industrial processes and in firefighting foams.  Since these substances are resistant to heat, water, and oil they persist in the environment and in the human body.  Due to the prevalence of PFAS in consumer products, it is likely that most people have been exposed to these substances through other sources besides drinking water.

What are the health effects of PFAS?

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) has identified the following health effects as potential outcomes from exposure to PFAS:

  • Changes in cholesterol and liver enzyme levels
  • Small changes in infant birth weight
  • Changes in the immune system and response to certain vaccines
  • Increased risk of preeclampsia or high blood pressure in pregnant women
  • Increased risk of certain cancers (i.e., kidney and testicular)

What should I do?

This is not an immediate risk.  However, exposure to PFOS and PFOA over the MCL may result in adverse health effects.  Drinking water containing PFOA in excess of the MCL of 14ng/L may cause adverse health effects, including decreased immune response.  If you have specific health concerns, consult your doctor.

What is BCWSA doing about this?

In anticipation of the new regulations, BCWSA has been conducting PFAS testing and investigating treatment options for their removal.  BCWSA is currently applying for a permit for installation of temporary treatment systems for PFAS until a permanent solution is implemented.

What should I do if I have more questions?

Below are some links to various sources of information on PFAS.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) info on PFAS

PA DEP info on PFAS MCL Rule

ATSDR info on PFAS

The content of this website is for general information purposes only. The Authority tries to provide content that is true and accurate as of the date of writing; however, the Authority gives no assurance or warranty regarding the accuracy, timeliness, or applicability of any of the contents. The originals of any documents referenced in this website shall take precedence in the event a conflict exists between information contained on this website and the information on original documents. BCWSA assumes no responsibility for the information contained in this website and disclaims all liability with respect to such information.

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