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California: New, state-funded water treatment system will eliminate PFAS from Tustin's drinking water

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~ TUSTIN - In a move to prioritize the health and wellbeing of its residents, the City of Tustin has received a new, state-funded water treatment system that will eliminate per- and polyfluoroalkyl compounds (PFAS) from its drinking water. The announcement was made by Governor Gavin Newsom, who also expressed his pride in California's efforts to address the issue of "forever chemicals" in drinking water.

The new water treatment system was unveiled by the State Water Resources Control Board, in partnership with the City of Tustin and the Orange County Water District (OCWD). This comes at a time when the federal government is planning to weaken regulations on PFAS in drinking water.

PFAS, commonly known as "forever chemicals," are man-made substances that have been used for commercial and industrial purposes. They have been found to persist in the environment and can accumulate within the human body over time. Studies have linked PFAS to increased cancer risk and other negative health impacts.

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State Water Board Chair E. Joaquin Esquivel stated that while PFAS have only recently been recognized as a threat to public health, there is increasing data supporting the need to eliminate these compounds from drinking water. He also mentioned that the board is working quickly to support similar projects across California.

Since 2022, California has received $269 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for its Drinking Water State Revolving Fund allocation. This funding has helped public water systems like Tustin's provide clean drinking water free from emerging contaminants such as PFAS. The new $29.5 million water treatment system in Tustin received a $10 million grant from this fund, along with an additional $11.5 million in federal funding.

OCWD President Denis R. Bilodeau expressed gratitude for the grant from the State Water Board, stating that while OCWD did not create the PFAS problem, they are taking proactive steps to address it by partnering with water retailers to build treatment systems. Tustin's new water system is one of seven projects led by OCWD to address PFAS in Orange County's drinking water.

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In addition to providing financial support, the State Water Board has been conducting investigations and assessments of PFAS in water systems and groundwater statewide for several years. Last year, they expanded testing for PFAS to nearly 4,000 wells in disadvantaged communities and are using this data to map contamination and inform treatment strategies.

Governor Newsom also announced other recent news, including the allocation of $56 million in grants to help counties provide services for young adults at risk of homelessness. He also welcomed six new K-9 teams trained to detect fentanyl, a dangerous drug often involved in crime and drug trafficking. Additionally, California has joined an 11-state coalition to advance the transition to affordable clean cars following an illegal Senate vote.

With these efforts, California continues to lead by example in prioritizing the health and safety of its communities. As more water systems like Tustin's receive funding for treatment systems, the state is taking proactive measures to ensure clean drinking water for all its residents.

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