Kennewick detects low levels of PFAS in drinking water

The city of Kennewick announced Monday morning that they have detected low levels of PFAS in their drinking water. It comes after routine water samples taken on March 4th at the Ranney Collector source. Results show it had 1.7 parts per trillion more of the chemicals than the state allows. For reference, parts per trillion is generally equivalent to one drop in about 13.2 billion gallons of water.

The city says residents need not do anything, though the state’s Department of Health recommends using an alternative source if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or mixing formula with water.

According to the city, they are working with engineers to design a treatment system at the Ranney Collector to remove PFAS before the EPA’s April 2029 deadline. They received a 15 million dollar award from the state health department’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Loan Program to help pay for the project.

More information on water quality can be found on their website.