Frequently Asked Questions

The City of Washougal has not “fallen behind”. The deadline in which to test for initial levels of PFAS set by EPA and Washington state is December 31, 2025.

There are no known ways of preventing this manmade chemical from entering the groundwater system. Lawmakers have begun banning the substances, so further instances or increased levels of substances are not expected.

The City of Washougal is taking investigative and planning steps to reduce and/or eliminate all PFAS substances from the City of Washougal water system.

Due to the extremely low levels of the PFAS substances, which are below current state levels, and the high demand during peak season, there are no plans to turn off any wells currently.

Yes, the City of Washougal has joined class-action lawsuits to help with the mitigation of costs for treating the City of Washougal water.

The current cost of treatment is to be determined. Costs vary based on the type of treatment. There is potential for increases to the utility bill, however the City of Washougal is taking all efforts via class-action lawsuits and will be applying for grant funding to mitigate such an increase.

PFAS are a group of synthetic chemicals widely used in consumer products and industrial applications since the 1940s, known for their inability to breakdown easily in the environment. PFAS are often referred to as “forever chemicals.”

There are many different PFAS, and we are still learning about their health impacts in people.

PFOA

Some people who drink water containing PFOA more than the State Action Level over many years may experience problems with:

• Cholesterol
• Liver
• Thyroid
• Immune system
• High blood pressure during pregnancy
• Have children with lower birthweights
• Higher risk of getting certain types of cancers

PFOS

Some people who drink water containing PFOS more than the State Action Level over many years may experience problems with:

• Cholesterol
• Liver
• Thyroid
• Kidney
• Immune systems
• Have children with lower birthweights

Human exposure to PFAS is widespread but variable by geography and occupation. PFAS are used in the aerospace, automotive, construction, and electronics industries. Over time, PFAS may leak into the soil, water, and air.

People are most likely exposed to these chemicals by consuming PFAS-contaminated water or food, using products made with PFAS, or breathing air containing PFAS. Because PFAS break down slowly, if at all, people and animals are repeatedly exposed to them, and blood levels of some PFAS can build up over time.

One report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), found PFAS in the blood of 97% of Americans.¹  Another NHANES report suggested blood levels of PFOS and PFOA in people have been reduced since those chemicals were removed from consumer products in the early 2000s. However, new PFAS chemicals have been created and exposure to them is difficult to assess.

NIEHS conducts or funds research that aims to understand more about PFAS exposures and any subsequent health effects.

You can choose to test the water at your home if you would like, however the City of Washougal is testing each source (well) quarterly and will be posting all results in a timely manner.

Because the water supply at each home is a combination of water from a variety of wells, we are currently unable to provide information on which areas of the city may have detectable levels of PFAS in your tap water.

Contact your personal physician.

There are currently two types of filters based on current studies that are effective in the reduction of PFAS:

• Granulated Activated Carbon
• Reverse Osmosis

The City of Washougal will not be reimbursing individuals for filters at this time.

No, the water is not poisoned. 

Boiling water will not remove PFAS substances.

The City of Washougal’s water system has a long history of high quality and safe drinking water. We will continue to research and put in place all safeguards to ensure that the water continues to be safe for generations to come.