EPA grants $15.7 million to address forever chemicals (PFAS) in Southern California water

The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced new investments in Southern California to address water contamination by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The funding totals $15.7 million and will be split among 7 different projects. This is in addition to EPA's previously announced investment of $77.257 million to address PFAS across California.

Photo Credit: Kings County.Gov (Fair use)

PFAS are commonly referred to as "forever chemicals" and are found in numerous common items. They have been known to cause cancer and fertility issues. They are sometimes found in stain resistant furniture, carpets, textiles, cosmetics, food packaging, cookware, and many other items. 

As stated by Acting EPA Pacific Southwest Region Administrator Michael Martucci, "EPA is laser focused on ensuring that every American has safe drinking water, and we’re proud to be providing the resources to make good on that commitment here in California. This federal investment will be key to our local partners’ efforts to tackle the threat of PFAS across Southern California."

The Southern California projects receiving federal funding are:

• $2,500,0000 to La Habra Heights County Water District to construct a PFAS remediation and treatment system at five groundwater wells.
• $1,750,000 to the Orange County Water District to install an innovative ion exchange treatment system at Santa Ana’s Wells 27 and 28, to ensure treated groundwater can be safely served to residents.
• $959,752 to the City of Riverside to modify the Palmyrita Water Treatment Plant for PFAS removal and to improve drinking water infrastructure.
• $2,100,000 to the Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency to construct a new treatment facility to remove PFAS contaminants from groundwater at the existing S7 well.
• $959,752 to the Santa Margarita Water District to fund a preliminary design report for the new Ranch Water Filtration Plant and support the district’s effort to provide potable reused water.
• $959,752 to the City of South Gate to treat four wells affected by PFAS contamination that supply more than 50% of the City’s total water demand.
• $6,452,972 to the Western Municipal Water District to fund rehabbing, repairing, and replacing aging sewer lines to prevent the infiltration of PFAS-contaminated groundwater into March Air Reserve Base’s sewer system.

EPA gives California $77 million to address PFAS in drinking water

Today the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a $77.257 million grant to California to fund efforts to address PFAS and emerging contaminants in California communities that need it the most.

Photo Credit: USEPA Region IX

According to EPA, the funding is part of a comprehensive, lifecycle-based strategy to address per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exemplifying EPA's commitment to Making America Healthy Again (MAHA) by ensuring clean water for all.

“With this investment, EPA is demonstrating our commitment to the goal of every American having safe drinking water,” said Acting EPA Pacific Southwest Region (Region IX) Administrator Michael Martucci. “Providing funding, affordable financing, and technical assistance to help Pacific Southwest communities get PFAS out of drinking water will bring lasting positive impacts where they are needed most.”

The grant is part of an overall $144.5 million funding effort for states and territories across the Pacific Southwest, allocated as follows:

Funding Allocations

• American Samoa $9,457,000
• Arizona $20,003,000
• California $77,257,000 
• Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands $9,457,000
• Guam $9,457,000
• Hawaii $9,457,000
• Nevada $9,457,000

For more information on this grant program, click on this link: Emerging Contaminants – Small or Disadvantaged Communities grant program