AUSTIN, Texas — While chemicals impact a lot of the water across the U.S., they don't seem to be much of a problem in Austin.
After a year of testing, Austin Water said the city has almost zero PFAS, or polyfluoroalkyl substances – also known as "forever chemicals" – in its drinking water.
Testing on the water began last October, when a total of 29 different PFAS6 substances were tested four times in compliance with a larger effort by the the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The city receives its water from the Highland Lakes of Central Texas, and Austin Water utilizes three different treatment plants: the Berl L. Handcox Sr. Water Treatment Plant, Albert R. Davis Water Treatment Plant and Albert H. Ullrich Water Treatment Plant.
"This great news validates decades of work to protect and safeguard our water at its source," City Manager T.C. Broadnax said. "Austin's embrace of strong environmental protections to reduce pollution in the Highland Lakes has played a vital role in keeping our water supply safe and clean."
Austin Water said it uses protections like a ban on pollutants – such as pesticides, fertilizers and microplastics – in the Highland Lakes, which helps keep the water cleaner.
No additional treatment is needed in the city's water at this time because the PFAs levels fit those required by the EPA, according to Austin Water. Additional findings will be shared at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 4, at the Waller Creek Center, located at 625 E. 10 St.
What are PFAS?
Polyfluoroalkyl substances are manmade chemicals that have been used for roughly 80 years, often in items like clothing, food packaging and various cleaning products.
These so-called "forever chemicals" can cause various health issues, including liver disease, certain types of cancer and high blood pressure.
A government study released in July 2023 found that drinking water from nearly half of U.S. faucets likely contains forever chemicals.
