What are PFAS?

PFAS is short for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances. These are a group of synthetic compounds that have been used since the 1940's in many products, including non-stick pots and pans, water or stain-resistant fabrics and carpeting, food packaging, and firefighting foam. 

PFAS are very stable chemical compounds and can last a long time in the human body and the environment. They can build up over time and have been linked to negative health effects. 

Some PFAS like perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanoic sulfonate (PFOS) are no longer manufactured in the U.S.A. Phase-outs for these PFAS started in the early 2000’s. 

How do PFAS end up in our water?

PFAS can get into the water supply where they are made or used. Industrial sites, businesses, or places where firefighting foam was used are examples. Waste disposal sites like landfills and wastewater treatment facilities may handle items containing PFAS, and these chemicals can potentially get into the groundwater or surface water. Accidents like chemical spills may also contaminate water sources.

What is DPW doing to protect our drinking water from PFAS?

We regularly test and monitor our water supply for PFAS, PFOA, and PFOS. We work hard to ensure that your drinking water meets federal and state guidelines and regulations.  

In addition to testing and monitoring, we also take other measures to keep your drinking water safe. Our open-air, treated drinking water reservoirs are being replaced with big concrete tanks buried safely underground. These tanks are built in compliance with federal mandates like the Safe Drinking Water Act. The tanks keep harmful bacteria and chemicals out of our filtered water. 

Druid Lake Tanks
Ashburton Tanks

We also maintain partnerships with surrounding counties and non-governmental stakeholders who directly impact the health of our source water, namely Liberty, Loch Raven, and Prettyboy Reservoirs. DPW, along with our partners, is committed to maintaining safe and reliable source water for our region.  

How are PFAS regulated?

Beginning in 2020, the Maryland Department of the Environment initiated a PFAS monitoring program. DPW is active in testing and monitoring your drinking water for PFAS and other contaminants. 

In early 2023, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the proposed National Primary Drinking Water Regulation for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). 

DPW immediately started preparing for the new regulations in coordination with the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE). 

What are the maximum contaminant levels for PFAS?

The EPA has proposed regulations to set a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of 4 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOA and PFOS. To give you a sense of this measurement—1 part per trillion is 1 second out of 32,000 years. 

Review DPW PFAS testing results

2022 testing results included water samples from the City’s three drinking water treatment plants:

  • Montebello 1
  • Montebello 2
  • Ashburton 

These samples confirmed that PFAS levels were below EPA’s proposed MCL threshold of 4 ppt.

Review DPW water quality reports 

Note: The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health 
risk.

Additional information​

DPW Maintains Compliance With Proposed EPA Regulations for PFAS
PFAS Explained
Maryland and PFAS

Questions or concerns?

We're here to help. Please call 311 or visit 311 online to connect with us.

Water customers outside of Baltimore City may dial 410-396-5352 for assistance.