PFAS Water Contamination at the City of Pomona Water Department

PFAS Contamination in City of Pomona Water Department: What You Need to Know

The City of Pomona Water Department, a California water provider, has detected concerning levels of PFAS chemicals in its water supply. According to recent testing, samples collected on August 23, 2023, from the W27-T method revealed PFOS at 11 ppt. This level exceeds the EPA’s Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) of 4 ppt for PFOS, as finalized in April 2024 but not enforceable until 2031. As a water provider, City of Pomona Water Department is responsible for ensuring safe drinking water for its customers.

As personal injury lawyers, we’re deeply concerned about the potential health risks posed by this PFAS contamination in City of Pomona Water Department’s water supply. PFOS and PFOA are part of the PFAS family of chemicals, which have been linked to various health issues, including cancer, immune system dysfunction, and developmental problems. The detected levels exceed the safe limits set by health authorities, raising serious concerns for the well-being of City of Pomona Water Department’s residents. We’re committed to helping affected individuals understand their legal options and seek justice.

The detection of PFAS water contamination, with PFOS and PFOA levels exceeding EPA limits, is deeply concerning and requires immediate action. We urge City of Pomona Water Department to be transparent about their findings and take swift measures to address this serious issue. There is overwhelming evidence showing how PFAS is cancer-causing, such as kidney cancer, testicular cancer, and ulcerative colitis.

To verify this data, visit the EPA’s UCMR 5 Data Finder and search for City of Pomona Water Department. Data is updated quarterly.

Data Methodology Disclosure

To ensure transparency regarding the “recent research and testing data” mentioned on this page, we are providing details on how this information was obtained. The data is sourced from the following authoritative reports:

• EPA’s UCMR5 Testing Program: The Fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR5), administered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), collects nationwide data on unregulated contaminants in drinking water, including PFAS, to support future regulatory efforts. Explore the UCMR5 Data

The information from the EPA form the basis for the claims made about water quality and testing results on this page. We invite readers to explore these reports for a comprehensive view of the data and its significance.

What is PFAS and How Does It Affect Health?

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are man-made chemicals found in products like firefighting foam, non-stick cookware, and water-repellent fabrics. Known as “forever chemicals,” they resist breaking down in the environment and the human body. This leads to bioaccumulation, where PFAS builds up over time in organs like the kidneys and liver. The CDC states that most people in the U.S. have PFAS in their blood, primarily from contaminated drinking water, food, and air. In California, where water contamination is a growing concern, understanding these health impacts is vital.

Linda Birnbaum, former director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and the National Toxicology Program, has said, The data linking PFAS to cancer is very clear. This underscores the urgency of addressing PFAS exposure, especially in communities near industrial sites or military bases where contamination is more common.

Health Risks and Protective Steps

PFOS and PFOA, part of the PFAS family, are recognized as probable human carcinogens by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) [1]. Extensive research links prolonged exposure to kidney cancer [2], testicular cancer [2], ulcerative colitis [3], liver damage [1], and immune system dysfunction [3]. The levels detected in City of Pomona Water Department’s water supply—PFOS at 11 ppt and PFOA at not detected ppt from the W27-T method on August 23, 2023—exceed the EPA’s Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) of 4.0 ppt for both PFOS and PFOA [4].

Residents must demand full disclosure from City of Pomona Water Department and access water quality reports via their official channels. Those with private wells should pursue PFAS testing through local health departments or the California State Water Resources Control Board, as unregulated sources face heightened contamination risks in this region.

References:

• [1] EPA. (2024, November 25). Our Current Understanding of the Human Health and Environmental Risks of PFAS. https://www.epa.gov/pfas/our-current-understanding-human-health-and-environmental-risks-pfas
• [2] National Cancer Institute. (2020, September 23). PFAS and Cancer. https://dceg.cancer.gov/research/what-we-study/pfas
• [3] CDC/ATSDR. (2022, September 21). PFAS Health Effects. https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas/health-effects/index.html
• [4] EPA. (2023). Drinking Water Regulations for PFAS. https://www.epa.gov/sdwa/and-polyfluoroalkyl-substances-pfas

PFAS’s Connection to Cancer

Let’s now turn our attention to PFAS’s link to cancer. Studies have found that exposure to PFAS may increase the risk of testicular cancer and kidney cancer.

Additionally, research suggests a potential connection between PFAS and ulcerative colitis, a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that can raise the likelihood of developing colorectal cancer.

PFAS and Testicular Cancer

We’ve uncovered a disturbing link between PFAS contamination and an increased risk of testicular cancer. Our research shows that PFOS, a type of PFAS, has been detected in the water system of Pomona, a city in California.

The water provider reported a PFOS level of 11 PPT, which is cause for concern. Studies suggest that exposure to PFAS through contaminated water may contribute to the development of testicular cancer. This is particularly alarming for residents of Pomona who rely on this water source.

We urge the community to stay informed about the contamination and take steps to protect their health.

PFAS and Ulcerative Colitis

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Health Risks Associated With PFAS Exposure?

We’ve found that PFAS exposure can lead to various health issues, including cancer, liver damage, and developmental problems. It’s crucial to stay informed about contamination levels in your area and take steps to protect yourself and your family.

How Long Has PFAS Contamination Been Present in Pomona’s Water System?

We need more information to determine the duration of PFAS contamination in Pomona’s water system. The detection details provided only show a single sampling date of 8/23/2023. More historical data would be needed to establish the duration of the contamination.

Are There Any Water Filtration Systems That Can Remove PFAS From Drinking Water?

Yes, water filtration systems can remove PFAS from drinking water. Activated carbon filters and reverse osmosis systems are effective at reducing PFAS levels. We recommend researching NSF-certified filters for the best results.

Marin & Murphy Law Firm is not currently accepting new PFAS claims. This page is general information about water quality and public health, not legal advice, and reading it or contacting the firm does not create an attorney-client relationship. The firm is licensed in South Carolina, Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Connecticut; its PFAS matters are handled with co-counsel who maintain local counsel arrangements nationwide. Matthew T. Marin, SC Bar #102771, 997 Morrison Drive, Suite 200, Charleston, SC 29403.