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PFAS Frequently Asked Questions

Updated 8/29/2025

What is PFAS?

Per and Poly Fluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are a class of thousands of man-made chemicals that have been manufactured and used in a variety of commercial products since the 1940s.  According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), these chemicals are very persistent in the environment and in the human body – meaning they do not break down and they can accumulate over time, earning them the nickname “forever chemicals”.

What types of products have PFAS?

PFAS has been used in the production of carpets, clothing, fabrics for furniture, cosmetics, paper packaging for food, and other materials (e.g., cookware) that are resistant to water, grease, or stains. They are also used in aqueous firefighting foam and in several other industrial processes. Because these chemicals have been used in such a wide array of consumer products, most people have been exposed to them.

How Does PFAS get into the Drinking Water?

PFAS can enter drinking water sources through human activities such as land application of wastewater or industrial sludges, discharges from wastewater treatment plants and septic systems, use of firefighting foam, and intentional or unintentional spills. PFAS in drinking water is always the result of human activity and contamination.

How much is too much PFAS in drinking water?

In Maine, the currently enforceable regulatory limit for PFAS, set by the Maine Legislature, is 20 parts per trillion (ppt also referred to as nanograms per liter, or ng/L) for a combination of six PFAS compounds (PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, PFNA, PFHpA, and PFDA).

At the federal level, on April 10, 2024, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a final National Primary Drinking Water Regulation for six PFAS compounds (PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, HFPO-DA, PFHxS and PFBS). This rule sets a Maximum Contaminate Level for PFOA and PFOS at 4 parts per trillion (ppt) and a Hazard Index for the remaining four compounds as a group. This federal standard will be enforceable starting in 2029.

Is there PFAS in Kennebec Water District’s Water (KWD)?

Yes.  KWD has been regularly testing its water for PFAS compounds since 2019. Of the 20 PFAS compounds tested, three have had detections (PFOA, PFHpA, and PFHxA) with cumulative levels between six and eleven ppt. The most recent compliance testing, completed in May 2025, show a PFOA level of 3.53 ppt (just under the final EPA standard for PFOA). Since 2019 PFOA levels have varied in the finished water (water supplied to your tap) from 2.9ppt to 6.4ppt showing both annual and seasonal variability.

What is KWD doing to reduce PFAS levels in drinking water?

Starting in 2022, KWD partnered with CDM Smith (an international engineering firm) to evaluate and design treatment options for PFAS compounds that could be implemented at our current treatment facility. Following an extensive alternative analysis phase, including benchtop and full-scale trials, CDM Smith is currently working on designing modifications to the existing treatment infrastructure to treat PFAS compounds in KWD’s source of water (China Lake).

KWD has been approved for up to eight million dollars of federal funds to support PFAS treatment. This includes funding the alternatives analysis that has already been completed, the design of modifications to the treatment facility that is ongoing, and the construction of the required modifications that will be completed in the future. There are no immediate actions KWD can take to reduce the levels of PFAS in the drinking water, however we are confident we will meet the compliance deadline of 2029 for the EPA’s National Primary Drinking Water Regulation.

What can I do as a customer?

If you would like to reduce your exposure to PFAS in drinking water, you may consider installing a point of use treatment system in your home.  Make sure to select a system that is certified to remove PFAS and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for maintenance and/or replacement.    

Why is there PFAS in our drinking water?

China Lake is the sole source of water for KWD. The existing treatment process is was not designed for PFAS removal when it was constructed in 1992.Therefore, the PFAS levels in the drinking water at the tap are essentially the same as the level of PFAS in China Lake. Currently, the root cause of PFAS contamination in China Lake is unknown, however, this contamination illustrates the continuing need to protect sources of drinking water from human activity that might cause contamination. 

What additional steps is KWD taking? 

KWD will continue to monitor the PFAS levels in both China Lake and the drinking water through regular analysis. These results are being monitored and reviewed thoroughly to see if any trends can be identified to help with future PFAS investigations. Additionally, KWD continues efforts to protect the water quality in China Lake through several different initiatives.

Additionally, modifications to the infrastructure at the water treatment facility are being evaluated, and designs are being created to treat PFAS contamination in China Lake. These modifications will allow the existing treatment facility to remove PFAS to ensure compliance with the EPA National Primary Drinking Water Regulation.

What will PFAS treatment cost?

Following the extensive alternative analysis phase the PFAS treatment options by CDM Smith, including both bench top and full-scale trials, it has been determined that modifications to the current infrastructure of the water treatment facility will provide the most effective PFAS treatment at the least impact to current water rates. It is anticipated that these modifications will cost between $5 million and $8 million with approximately $250,000 – $500,000 in annual expenses.

What is KWD doing to mitigate the cost of treatment?

KWD, with assistance from CDM Smith, has completed a comprehensive evaluation of treatment options. The selected treatment plan (modifying the existing infrastructure at the treatment facility) will enable KWD to produce high quality water (below State and federal PFAS standards), extend the life of the existing filtration system, and maintain operational flexibility with the least financial impact on rate payers.

KWD has secured up to $8 million in federal grants to cover the cost of the alternative analysis, the design, and the modifications to the existing treatment facility to treat for PFAS contamination. 

KWD has also retained the services of SL Environmental to file suit against PFAS manufacturers to cover costs associated with PFAS treatment.  A national settlement has been reached with the larger PFAS manufacturers which will provide more than $14 billion to public water systems. It is expected that KWD will receive approximately $2 million from this settlement.

For More Information

More information about PFAS in drinking water can be found on the US Environmental Protection Agency’s website at:  www.epa.gov/pfas