As part of a comprehensive plan to better understand PFAS levels in Iowa’s drinking water, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has begun sampling for the chemical in public drinking water supplies. DNR has identified 102 sites where the drinking water facilities are supplied by surface water or shallow groundwater sources, or are near a potential PFAS source. It is collecting and sending raw and treated samples from these sites to a laboratory certified to test for PFAS. As test results come in, DNR will report results to each public water supply and on its PFAS webpage.
U.S. EPA set a lifetime health advisory level of 70 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOA and PFOS to protect people from the risks of exposure in drinking water. If PFOA or PFOS is detected, DNR will work with the public water supply to set up a yearlong sampling plan, requiring monitoring every three months. If individual or combined test results show PFOA or PFOS levels above EPA’s health advisory of 70 ppt, the water supplier must notify its customers, and DNR will work to identify potential sources of contamination.
DNR is partnering with the Iowa Department of Public Health in this work.
