1 MEMORANDUM
DATE: September 21, 2023
TO: Dawn Roth Lindell, G eneral Manager – BWP
FROM: Richard Wilson, Assistant G eneral Manager – Water Systems VIA: Javier Martinez, Manager, Water Production and Operations BY: Nareh Ghevondian, Water Quality Analyst
SUBJECT: Presence of Perfluorohexanesulfonic Acid (PFHxS) in Burbank’s Groundwater Source
RECOMMENDATION
Note and file.
BACKGROUND
PFHxS is a member of a large class of chemicals known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). They are widely used, long-lasting chemicals that break down very slowly over time and have been called “forever chemicals.” These chemicals are used in numerous commercial products to offer water and stain-repellent properties and in fire- fighting foams. They do not occur naturally, and they persist in the environment and in biological organisms. Scientific s tudies have shown that exposu re to some PFAS in the environment may be linked to harmful health effects in humans and animals.
The purpose of this memorandum is to notify City Council of the exceedance of the notification requirement for PFHxS as required by Health and Sa fety Code Section 116455, which governs drinking water standards as established b y the Division of Drinking Water.
DISCUSSION
Notification levels are health-based advisory levels establishe d by the State Water Resources Control Board Division of Drinking Water (DDW) for ch emicals in potable water that lack legally enforceable limits.
Well 7 was removed from service in February 2023 due to mechani cal issues and was only recently placed back into service in August. Upon re-starting the well, testing showed that the notification level for PFHxS in the untreated groundwater at Well 7 was exceeded.
The 5.6 parts per trillion sample result was received on September 15, 2023. The notification level for PFHxS is 3.0 parts per trillion. (Note t hat Well 7 was not included in the third quarter test results because it was not operational.) ATTACHMENT 4
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2 By
this memorandum, BWP hereby provides notice to City Council as required by the Health and Safety Code.
Note that this sample result is for raw, untreated water, and P HFxS is removed by our treatment plant and has never been detected in Burbank’s drinking water.
ATTACHMENT 4
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