The weekly state provides reports/maps for the PFAS sampling effort that the State is undertaking to determine potential sites of contamination.    In order to decrease exposure to PFOA and PFAS from drinking water, the EPA has established health advisory levels at 70 parts per trillion.  The following key points are related to how this testing is measuring up in Jackson County concerning this effort.

1. There are 14 PFAS related chemicals that are tested for in each water sample. In May 2016 the USEPA established a non-regulatory Lifetime Health Advisory (LHA) for two of these chemicals, PFOS (perfluorooctanesulfonic acid) and PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid). The LHA for PFOS and PFOA is 70 parts per trillion (ppt) combined, or individually if only one of them is present
2. Common items that contain these compounds are the Teflon coating in pans and fire fighting foam. They are very stable and do not break down in the environment. They have been manufactured and utilized for decades dating back to the 1950’s. 
3. The other 12 PFAS related chemicals that are also being tested do not have any Health Advisory limits established for them. There is not enough information yet to establish one for these chemicals.
4. For PFAS related chemicals, the State of Michigan is using the EPA Lifetime Health Advisory level of 70 parts per to make decisions.  Wells that test at or above 70 parts per trillion will be provided filters and/or bottled water until a safe uncontaminated water source can be identified and put in place.   
5. As of September 6, 2018, we have received the results from 30 of the 45 wells sampled. There is one well that still needs to be sampled by the state contractor.  
6. Of those 30 well results, all have been non-detect for the 14 PFAS related chemicals tested with the exception of two wells. 
7. Those two wells each had one test result of 3 parts per trillion for one of the 14 chemicals. Neither of these chemicals were PFOS or PFOA. 
8. Neither of these two wells were schools. All results associated with a school water supply have been non-detect.

 
At this time, none of the test results have been high enough to warrant any action by any entity. As a precaution, JCHD has reached out to the two water supplies with the very low single test results noted above to ensure their questions are answered. 

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call the Environmental Health Division at (517) 788-4433.. Also, the link below will direct you to the State of Michigan MPART site that has additional information concerning this statewide sampling effort. The EPA has additional resources and information regarding testing and monitoring on a National Level.