PFAS Information

The port’s annual Drinking Water Quality Report has consistently confirmed that the port’s water system meets or exceeds state and federal health standards .

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, are an emerging issue for water systems across the country and the 2024 Drinking Water Quality Report will begin to include information about PFAS. PFAS are human-made chemicals commonly used since the 1950’s in making products like food packaging, outdoor clothing, non-stick pans, certain types of firefighting foam and others. PFAS are a global public health concern, and exposure to levels above recommended limits over time may lead to harmful health effects.

The port provides drinking water for some industrial tenants, marine vessels, irrigation, and fire protection. It also provides water for some port employee office buildings. As an operator of a potable water system, the port is preparing to test for PFAS in the port’s water system. The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has established a deadline for Group a Non-Transient/Non-Community potable water systems – which includes the Port of Vancouver USA’s water system — of December 31, 2025. The port plans to complete testing in advance of that date.  

Regulatory Framework

As an emerging issue, regulatory guidelines for PFAS are being developed and updated dynamically. The port is diligently tracking regulatory changes and new information related to PFAS in drinking water, and will work collaboratively with DOH to understand how regulatory changes relate to the port’s water system.

The Washington State Board of Health (SBOH) established state action levels (SALs) for five PFAS. The SBOH defines a SAL as “a level that is set to protect human health and is based on the best available science at the time.” In accordance with DOH, if PFAS is found in a water system, the water system customers must be notified and additional testing must be completed. Additional action may be required based on the amount of PFAS detected in the water system.

The SALs were established prior to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) establishing maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for PFAS. The USEPA announced MCLs for six PFAS in April 2024. MCLs represent the highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water.

Port of Vancouver USA Actions

• Expert Support: the port is working with water quality experts to collect information about the possible presence of PFAS in the port water supply and understand potential next steps to position the port to continue delivering water to port staff, tenants, and other water users. The port is following DOH guidance and requirements for PFAS testing (WAC 246-290).
• Proactive PFAS Testing: PFAS testing is planned for Summer 2024 and will be completed in advance of the DOH deadline of 31 December 2025.
• Sharing Information: timely updates on PFAS testing results and related actions will appear on this page, and will be also reported in the annual Drinking Water Quality Report.
• Future Planning: DOH has defined follow-up actions that are based on SALs and the amount of PFAS detected (if any) relative to the SALs. The port will follow DOH requirements for next steps based on the sample results.

PFAS – a regional issue

DOH states that 2,400 Washington water systems have or will test for PFAS. Multiple local municipalities have tested and provided useful information about PFAS and efforts to address it.

City of Vancouver: Learn about PFAS

City of Camas: Perfluorinated Compounds in Camas, WA Groundwater

Frequently Asked Questions

What are PFAS? What are the health concerns with PFAS? How are people exposed to PFAS? State and federal agencies have prepared resources to address these and other frequently asked questions.

• Washington State Department of Health:
  • PFAS frequently asked questions: https://doh.wa.gov/community-and-environment/contaminants/pfas
  • How to Reduce Exposure to PFAS in Your Tap Water: https://doh.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2022-02/331-681.pdf
• Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry:
  • PFAS and Your Health: https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas/index.html
• United States Environmental Protection Agency:
  • PFAS Home: https://www.epa.gov/pfas
  • Meaningful and Achievable Steps You Can Take to Reduce Your Risk: https://www.epa.gov/pfas/meaningful-and-achievable-steps-you-can-take-reduce-your-risk

What is the port doing to protect water quality? The port has hired water quality experts to test the port’s water system for PFAS and is following DOH requirements. Testing is planned for Summer 2024.

What will happen if PFAS is detected in the port’s water system? The port is committed to providing safe and clean drinking water and, if necessary based on data from testing, will develop and implement next steps for ongoing monitoring and treatment solutions.

If you have questions regarding drinking water, please call Port of Vancouver USA Environmental Manager Matt Graves at (360) 693-3611. You may also reach us at info@portvanusa.com.