INFORMATION ITEM
H-1
TO: HONORABLE CHAIRPERSON AND MEMBERS OF THE AZUSA UTILITY BOARD FROM: TIKAN SINGH, GENERAL MANAGER
DATE: JULY 27, 2026
SUBJECT: WATER QUALITY UPDATE - DETECTION OF PERFLUOROOCTANOIC ACID (PFOA)
BACKGROUND:
Pursuant to Section 116455 of the California Health and Safety Code, Azusa Light and Water is required to notify and inform its governing body that the subject drinking water well has exceeded the Notification Levels for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA).
Groundwater sampling collected on May 11, 2026, detected PFOA in Well No. 5 at a concentration of 4.2 parts per trillion (ppt), slightly above the California Department of Drinking Water (DDW) Notification Level of 4.0 ppt. This report is provided to satisfy DDW notification requirements and to update the Utility Board on the well's current status and ongoing monitoring efforts.
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is part of a group of related chemicals known as perfluorinated alkylated substances (PFAS). This group of chemicals is commonly used in non-stick and stain-resistant consumer products, food packaging, fire-fighting foam, and industrial processes.
The EPA is leading the national effort to understand PFAS and reduce public health risks from PFAS. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of synthetic chemicals that have been in use since the 1940s. PFAS are found in a wide array of consumer and industrial products. PFAS manufacturing and processing facilities, facilities that use PFAS in the production of other products, airports, and military installations are among the potential contributors to PFAS releases into the air, soil, and water. Due to their widespread use and persistence in the environment, most people in the United States have been exposed to PFAS. There is evidence that continued exposure above specific levels to certain PFAS may lead to adverse health effects.
PFOA is currently regulated by the California State Water Resources Control Board, Department of Drinking Water (DDW), through notification and response levels. DDW has established a Notification Level, or a health-based advisory level, for chemicals in drinking water that lack an MCL. The current Notification Level for PFOA is 4.0 parts per trillion. California has not yet established State Maximum Water Quality Update
July 27, 2026
Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for PFOA. However, in April 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) adopted federal MCLs for several PFAS compounds, including PFOA. These federal standards are expected to become enforceable in California beginning in 2029.
At the request of the Main San Gabriel Basin Watermaster, ALW conducted PFAS sampling of its groundwater wells in May 2026 as part of ongoing regional monitoring efforts. Because PFAS testing requires specialized laboratory analysis, results are typically received several weeks after sample collection. Following receipt and review of the laboratory results, staff initiated the required DDW notification process and prepared this informational update for the Utility Board.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the Utility Board approve the following action:
1) Receive and file the Water Quality Update - Detection of Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) ANALYSIS:
The detected PFOA concentration in Well No. 5 exceeds the DDW Notification Level of 4.0 ppt but remains below the DDW Response Level of 10 ppt. As a result, DDW does not recommend removing Well No. 5 from service at this time. To provide perspective, the detected concentration of 4.2 ppt represents an extremely small measurement. One (1) part per trillion is approximately equivalent to one drop of water in twenty (20) Olympic-size swimming pools.
The California DDW has established the following levels for PFOA:
The notification level for PFOA is 4.0 ppt.
The response level for PFOA is 10 ppt.
A “Notification level” is the concentration level of a contaminant in drinking water delivered for human consumption that the department has determined, based on available scientific information, does not pose a significant health risk but warrants notification pursuant to this section. Notification levels are non-regulatory, health-based advisory levels established by the department for contaminants in drinking water for which maximum contaminant levels have not been established. Notification levels are established as precautionary measures for contaminants that may be considered candidates for the establishment of Maximum Contaminant Levels, but have not yet undergone or completed the regulatory standard-setting process prescribed for the development of Maximum Contaminant Levels, and are not drinking water standards.
A “Response level” means the concentration of a contaminant in drinking water delivered for human consumption at which the department recommends that additional steps, beyond notification pursuant to this section, be taken to reduce public exposure to the contaminant. Response levels are established in conjunction with notification levels for contaminants that may be considered candidates for the establishment of maximum contaminant levels but have not yet undergone or completed the Water Quality Update
July 27, 2026
regulatory standard-setting process prescribed for the development of maximum contaminant levels and are not drinking water standards.
PFAS has been extensively produced and studied in the United States. This manmade substance has been synthesized for water and lipid resistance. It has been used extensively in consumer products such as carpets, clothing, fabrics for furniture, paper packaging for food, and other materials (e.g., cookware) designed to be waterproof, stain-resistant, or non-stick. In addition, it has been used in fireretarding foam and various industrial processes. The current evaluation of recent human and animal toxicity data suggests that exposure to PFAS in tap water over certain levels may result in adverse health effects, including hepatotoxicity, immunotoxicity, thyroid toxicity, reproductive toxicity, and cancer (pancreatic and liver).
If a contaminant is present in drinking water at concentrations that exceed the DDW Response Level, DDW recommends that the water system evaluate taking the affected source out of service to reduce public exposure. The detected PFOA concentration in Well No. 5 remains below the DDW Response Level; therefore, DDW does not recommend removing the well from service at this time.
Drinking water delivered to Azusa Light and Water customers continues to meet all applicable State drinking water requirements, and no changes to customer water use are recommended. ALW remains committed to protecting public health by continuing to monitor PFAS, complying with applicable State drinking water regulations, and providing customers with information regarding PFAS and other emerging contaminants through the annual Consumer Confidence Report.
Well No. 5 will continue operating in accordance with DDW requirements because the detected PFOA concentration remains below the DDW Response Level. ALW will continue the required monitoring and sampling, evaluate future laboratory results, and keep the Utility Board informed of any significant changes. If future PFOA concentrations increase or regulatory requirements change, staff will evaluate and pursue the appropriate treatment alternatives to maintain compliance and protect public health.
This report is provided to satisfy DDW notification requirements and to update the Utility Board on the current status of Well No. 5 and ongoing monitoring efforts.
If you have any questions or concerns, please call Water Treatment Superintendent Carlos Solis at (626)812-5080.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this action. In the future, it may become necessary to construct a water treatment facility to reduce or remove contaminants and ensure compliance with State and Federal drinking water regulations.
Water Quality Update
July 27, 2026
Prepared by: Reviewed by:
Carlos Solis Gabriela Enriquez
Water Treatment Superintendent Management Analyst
Reviewed and Approved: Reviewed and Approved:
Melissa Barbosa Danny Smith
Assistant General Manager - Water Operations Utilities Admin & Finance Manager Reviewed and Approved: Reviewed and Approved:
Tikan Singh Sergio Gonzalez
General Manager City Manager