Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

We at WaterOne are passionate about delivering safe, delicious water to customers. We are customers too, drinking our water every day.

Per- and Polyfluoroalkl substances, commonly known as PFAS (or by variants such as PFOA, PFOS, or GenX,) are a group of man-made chemicals. PFAS is a by-product of certain manufacturing processes, including products such as non-stick cookware and fire suppression chemicals. Long-term PFAS ingestion has been linked to adverse health effects.

WaterOne has not detected any PFAS in our water. Nationally, PFAS contamination is connected to sources such as manufacturing sites that have utilized these chemicals, or in areas where industrial usage of products containing PFAS have occurred. In Kansas, PFAS has only been detected in isolated locations that have no impact on WaterOne's source water. Sources of contamination which have affected other areas of the country are not prevalent in our region.

As protectors of public health, WaterOne has been closely following the science and study surrounding PFAS for many years. This includes contributing data towards the body of knowledge about PFAS and other emerging contaminants through periodic rounds of additional water quality testing under the EPA's Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR). By participating in testing and data sharing, WaterOne is directly involved in advancing the science of water.

All of WaterOne's water quality standards meet or surpass regulatory requirements for safe water. Tap water is of higher quality today than at any point in history, but ongoing vigilance is needed to continue advancing knowledge, standards, and finer and finer detection technology. We are all partners in this effort, including passionate water quality professionals, committed EPA and State regulators, and supportive customers like you.

Public safety is our priority. If WaterOne detects this or any other harmful substance in the water supply, we are required by law to notify the public. To ensure we reach you with important information about water quality and your water service, sign-up for Notify JoCo.