PFAS Public Advisory
May 30, 2024
Many communities across Michigan, the United States, and around the world are being affected by the presence of compounds collectively known as PFAS in groundwater. These include our immediate neighbors, Waterford Township, and Independence Township.
White Lake DPS has been monitoring for the presence of PFAS at all White Lake water treatment facilities annually beginning in 2018. During water quality testing in the spring of 2024, White Lake PFAS samples collected at the Village Acres Water Treatment Plant reported a detects for Perflourobutanoic Acid (PFBA) and Perflouropentanoic Acid (PFPeA), unregulated contaminants in the PFAS family. These results were at or near the minimum detectable level. White Lake DPS proactively collected another sample set from the plant after notification of the results. Since PFAS are analyzed in such small quantities - parts per trillion - even the smallest cross-contamination could contribute to a false positive sample. The re-sample also showed detect for the same compounds at the minimum detectable level. There are currently no Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCL) or Action Levels (AL) for these compounds. There are no violations for the water system with these detections. Even though White Lake is not required to take any action due to these detects, we are taking proactive actions to ensure that our drinking water meets the highest quality standards and that our public is informed.
PFAS – What is it and where does it come from?
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a potential groundwater contaminant found in some firefighting foams and other industrial chemical products. These compounds are highly soluble in groundwater and remain in the environment for long periods of time. They can also be present in many things we use in our everyday life, such as water-resistant and stain-resistant products. PFAS can also be present in:
- Personal care products such as cosmetics and lotions.
- Insect repellants and sunscreens.
- Pizza boxes and fast food wrappers.
- Recycled paper products such as paper towels and notebook paper.
- Sampling equipment - in the material of the equipment itself or due to PFAS being used in the manufacturing process.
- Ordinary latex gloves. (Because PFAS is in latex gloves, samplers must use powderless nitrile gloves.)
Actions to commercially produce PFAS were first developed in the 1940’s. In the 1950’s several companies began manufacturing PFAS for product applications because of its ability to repel water, protect surfaces, resist heat and many other useful properties.
Chemicals in this class of more than 5,000 substances are found in products such as nonstick pans that contain Teflon, food packaging, waterproof jackets and carpets to repel water, grease, and stains. In recent years, experts have become increasingly concerned by the potential effects of high concentrations of PFAS on human health. These chemicals don’t break down in the environment and also bioaccumulate, meaning the amount builds up over time in organs and the bloodstream. Although our understanding of these contaminants is advancing, elevated levels of PFAS have the potential to cause increased cholesterol, changes in the body’s hormones and immune system, decreased fertility and increased risk of certain cancers. Links to these health effects in humans are supported by scientific, expert and laboratory studies in animals.
How People Are Exposed to PFAS
There are a variety of ways that people can be exposed to these chemicals and at different levels of exposure. For instance, people can be exposed to low levels of PFAS through contaminated food. Which can be present in contaminated soil and water used to grow food, food packaging containing PFAS as well as leather goods, non-stick cookware, weather repellants and commercially stain treated products.
How can I stay updated on the situation?
White Lake DPS will continue to post updates on our website at https://www.whitelaketwp.com/water .
Michigan has developed a website to find information about PFAS contamination and efforts to address it. The website will be updated as additional Information becomes available. The website address: http://michigan.gov/pfasresponse.
What is currently being done about this issue?
Additional testing of the Village Acres plant and other nearby plants will be ongoing to ensure that PFBA, PFPeA, or any other PFAS compounds are closely monitored and below any existing or future regulatory levels. DPS is currently working with DLZ Engineering and the State of Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) to develop investigation, treatment, and funding strategies in an effort to gain more information regarding these detections as rapidly as possible.
How PFAS Affect People’s Health
Studies have determined that at very high doses of some PFAS compounds can result in adverse health effects in animals. However, scientific evidence does not show that PFAS causes harm to the environment or people at current or historical levels. Research has shown that the levels of PFAS in the general population have dropped by more than 70 percent since 2000. Currently, scientists are still learning about the health effects of exposures to PFAS and more research is needed to establish the human health effects of exposure to PFAS. Epidemiologic studies have examined a number of health effects, many that are described in Fact Sheets available at: https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/pfc/.
Who can I call if I have questions about PFAS in my drinking water?
For questions regarding this, residents may contact the State of Michigan Environmental Assistance Center at 800-662-9278, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. If you are concerned about exposure to PFAS in your drinking water, please contact the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Toxicology Hotline at 800-648-6942, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention/ATSDR at https://www.cdc.gov/cdc-info/, 800-232-4636, or White Lake DPS at 248-698-7700 ext. 8.
