Keeping Our Drinking Water Safe From Harmful Chemicals
Dept. of Health Office of Drinking Water – Update on the PFAS Rulemaking
Abstract: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a family of chemicals used since the 1950s to manufacture stain-resistant, water-resistant, and non-stick products. PFAS are widely used as coatings in common consumer products such as food packaging, outdoor clothing, carpets, leather goods, ski and snowboard waxes, and more. Certain types of firefighting foam—historically used by the U.S. military, local fire departments, and airports—are especially concerning due to the potential for groundwater contamination of drinking water supplies. PFAS compounds are very persistent and have also been found in rivers, lakes, fish, and wildlife. As analytical methods have improved and epidemiology studies have advanced, PFAS have now become a serious public health risk across our country, including here in Washington State. This presentation will describe the health risks posed by PFAS and how the WA Department of Health is proposing to amend the drinking water rules to establish health-based values and advisory levels to keep communities safe.
Bio: Brian Walsh has 30 years of experience in environmental policy and planning, including positions with the WA Department of Ecology, the Puget Sound Partnership, the NW Power and Conservation Council, and the WA Department of Fish and Wildlife. In his current role as the Policy and Planning Manager for the Office of Drinking Water, he supervises an interdisciplinary staff responsible for drinking water rules, ground water technical support, municipal water policy, emergency response planning, legislation, program planning, compliance, and capacity development. In his spare time, Brian co-created and provided images for the book recently published by Braided River – We Are Puget Sound.
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