b'BY MARINA TANAY, SUMNERBONNEY LAKE SCHOOL DISTRICTPFAS and Water StandardsW hat is PFAS? Specifically,a school district operates their ownThis might not seem to directly it is an acronym forpublic water system, they need toaffect drinking water standards, but per- and polyfluoroalkylprepare to meet the monitoringit demonstrates the states proactive substances. But what are they anddeadlines in 2027 and the complianceapproach.how does it affect school districts?deadline, which occurs in 2029. In addition, the Department of These substances are acids found toSpecifically in Washington state, theEcology is conducting a study on contaminate drinking water. The EPADepartment of Ecology is also workingthe runoff from artificial turf fields, and Washington State Department ofto address PFAS contamination. Theytesting for chemicals including Ecology are taking action to protecthave developed a PFAS ChemicalPFAS. Their findings could lead to our drinking water systems fromAction Plan that recommends actionrecommendations or regulations these contaminants. to phase out theregarding the use and placement of National Primaryuse, release andfields to prevent PFAS contamination. Drinking Waterexposure of PFASThe study is separate from stormwater Regulations wereBe aware ofin Washington.permit requirements but illustrates the finalized by theThis plan could leadfocus on PFAS in our environment.EPA last year andthe focus onto future state- For now, be aware of the focus on are important forkeeping ourspecific regulationskeeping our drinking water supply safe. school districtsthat might impact If your district operates its own water to understand.drinking waterschools. system, seek advice on monitoring and Districts should alsosupply safe. IfWashingtoncompliance. If you are planning turf understand how has already takenfields, consider stormwater regulation state regulationsyour districtaction to banchanges and keep an eye out for for clean wateroperates its ownPFAS in certainEcologys study and recommendations standards relate to products, such asregarding runoff. Together, our water the EPAs regulations.water system,food packaging.supplys integrity can be improved. In brief, here are keyseek advice on components and specific requirementsmonitoring and of these standardscompliance. that Washington state school districts should be aware of.PFAS levels are now regulated and have maximum contaminant levels that must be complied with. Therefore, they need to be monitored in water systems, including those serving schools. Initial monitoring must be completed by 2027 and reported to the public. After implementing initial monitoring, water systems will be required to conduct ongoing compliance monitoring and public reporting. If 8 WAMOA JOURNALSPRING 2025'