Orange County tackles PFAS in drinking water ahead of EPA deadline

In recent years, Yorba Linda, California, has established itself as a leader in addressing PFAS contamination in drinking water. The Yorba Linda Water District constructed the largest PFAS water treatment plant in the nation, which began operations in December 2020. This initiative was prompted by the discovery that all ten of the district's groundwater wells exceeded California's PFAS limits, necessitating the shutdown of these wells to protect public health. Nearby Anaheim, which serves a larger population, also faced challenges with PFAS contamination. The city had to increase its water expenses significantly due to the need for filtration systems to comply with stricter EPA standards, which are even more stringent than California's regulations. The projected cost for expanding PFAS treatment capacity across Anaheim's wells is estimated at $200 million. The Orange County Water District plays a crucial role in managing the region's groundwater and has been instrumental in designing and funding the PFAS filtration plants. The contamination issue is primarily confined to the northern and central parts of the groundwater basin, but there are concerns that other wells could become contaminated in the future. As the EPA's deadline for compliance approaches in 2029, both Yorba Linda and Anaheim are taking proactive measures to ensure safe drinking water for their residents. The ongoing efforts highlight the importance of addressing environmental contaminants and the financial implications for local water utilities.