PFAS
PFAS are known as “perfluoroalkyl substances” and have been found in water in Commerce City, Colorado. The chemicals accumulate in the human body over time, leading to a number of health problems, including cancer, developmental effects, and liver disease. Commerce City’s water is supplied by the South Adams County Water and Sanitation District. The recommended limit for PFAS is 70 parts per trillion, but the city’s water tests are showing higher levels than that.
The EPA has begun the regulatory process for listing PFOA and PFOS as hazardous chemicals. The agency has also announced a new testing method for 11 additional PFAS chemicals found in drinking water. These efforts are likely to continue. In the meantime, consumers can expect a higher price tag for PFAS chemicals in the future. It is important to keep in mind that PFAS in commerce water is highly regulated. Despite this, the industry is committed to protecting the public’s drinking water.
In the North Carolina town of Wilmington, a small utility authority discovered that its customers were drinking “a soup” of PFAS in 2017. The chemical compounds were a legacy of decades of industrial pollution. In North Carolina, EPA had yet to introduce regulations for PFAS, but consumers and the media were demanding action. The Delaware River Water Quality Control Board has since approved PFAS standards. However, there is still a long way to go.
Trihalomethanes
The city of Commerce has received a letter informing its residents about the health risks of consuming high levels of trihalomethanes, a byproduct of disinfection. These pollutants are dangerous to human health. The EPA has set a MCL of 0.080 mg/L and has determined that exposure to them is a health concern. The city’s drinking water analysis shows a compliance value of 0.160 mg/L by 2022.
To address the problem, disinfectants are used to remove bacteria that cause disease. These disinfectants, however, can lead to byproducts that can interfere with their ability to control pathogens. These byproducts are more likely to form in water that is organic-rich, which presents a challenge to disinfection processes. Trihalomethane concentrations are higher in warmer months and during long detention times in the distribution system and storage tanks. Furthermore, they are more likely to form in neighborhoods far from treatment facilities.
Trihalomethanes are formed when chlorine reacts with organic materials in water. In sewage treatment plants, these chemicals are chlorinated before entering the river. In drinking water, chloroform is the main trihalomethane of concern. Bromochloromethane is also a significant concern. It is a by-product of disinfection, and may result in increased cancer risk in humans.
Lead
If you are wondering how much lead is in Commerce water, the answer is yes. Although the state has not yet certified any products for lead content, the International Plumbing Code requires manufacturers to disclose the content of lead in their water supply equipment. In addition, products sold in states with model plumbing codes are likely to be certified. However, this doesn’t mean that all Commerce water is lead free. It is important to understand the health risks associated with lead and to avoid drinking water from Commerce.
EPA has been investigating the current regulations for tap water. It has recently revealed that the number of violations by Commerce water system is much higher than the regulated limit. In fact, ninety-nine percent of water samples had levels of lead below 0.0011 mg/L. This represents 7.3% of the 0.015 mg/L action level. The remaining 10 percent of water samples contained higher levels of lead than the 0.015 mg/L action level.
The EPA has also issued a final rule establishing a lead-free standard for plumbing products. These rules apply to manufacturers, importers, wholesalers, distributors, resellers, retailers, plumbers, and plumbing contractors. Lead-free plumbing products are now required by law. Even the solder and flux used to install pipes are regulated under the new rule. The final rule will also apply to plumbing products and the public water system.