Palmerton continues to search for solutions after contaminates were found in its drinking water.

The Palmerton Municipal Authority sent out letters to homeowners on June 3 to make them aware of the situation.

“Our water system recently violated a drinking water standard. Although this incident was not an emergency, as our customers you have a (right) to know what happened and what we did to correct this situation.

The Municipal Authority said it routinely monitors for drinking water contaminants, and that testing results they received on May 3 show that their system exceeds the standard, or maximum contaminant level for PFOS & PFOA.

Borough Manager Autumn Canfield said Tuesday afternoon that beginning in January of 2024, water systems servicing over 350 customers were required by the PA Department of Environmental Protection to start initial compliance monitoring for two PFAS chemicals, PFOA and PFOS.

PFOS and PFOA are chemicals that are part of a larger group referred to as perfluoroalkyl substances. These are human-made chemicals, and do not occur naturally in the environment. They have been used to make items that are resistant to water, grease, or stains such as cookware, carpets, and packaging.

PFAS often shows up on items such as wild caught fish, dust particles, food that was packaged in different types of containers (such as popcorn), cleaning products, stain resistant carpet, water repellent clothing, nonstick cookware, fast food wrappers, pizza boxes, candy wrappers, and even certain plastic containers you drink from. They are also used in industrial processes and in firefighting foams.

Since these substances are resistant to heat, water, and oil they persist in the environment and in the human body. Due to the prevalence of PFAS in consumer products, it is likely that most people have been exposed to these substances through other sources besides drinking water.

“Our results have shown that three of the four wells the borough uses to service potable water customers have exceeded the standard set by the DEP,” Canfield said. “Due to this, the borough issued the Tier 2 public notice to our residents.”

The standard for PFOS is 18 parts per trillion and for PFOA is 14 parts per trillion. PFOS were found at a level of 48.3 parts per trillion on Feb. 14, and 49.3 on April 24 in the drinking water.

In addition, PFOA were found at a level of 30.7 parts per trillion on Feb. 14 and 33.9 on April 24 in the drinking water.

The second quarter average is 34 parts per trillion for PFOS and 16 for PFOAs.

“You do not need to use an alternative (e.g., bottled) water supply,” the letter states. “However, if you have specific health concerns consult your doctor.”

Homeowners were told this isn’t an immediate risk, and that if had been, they would have been notified immediately.

“However, exposure to PFOS and PFOA over the MCL may result in adverse health effects,” the letter states. “Drinking water containing PFOS in excess of the MCL of 18 ng/L may cause adverse health effects, including decreased immune response. Drinking water containing PFOA in excess of the MCL of 14 ng/L may cause adverse health effects, including developmental effects (neurobehavioral and skeletal effects).

What the levels mean

Canfield added that DEP has explained that “MCLs are set at very stringent levels. To understand the possible health effects described for many regulated constituents, a person would have to drink two liters of water every day at the MCL level for a lifetime to have a one in one million chance of having the described health effect.” They indicate there is no immediate risk associated with this violation and an alternative water supply is not needed. Any health concerns should be discussed with an individual’s doctor.

Canfield said the borough is working to solve the issue.

“At this time, we are working diligently with the DEP to identify the appropriate course of action,” said Canfield, who added the borough will post updates to its website, https://www.palmertonborough.com, as it gathers more information.

“We are also encouraging residents to sign up for our CodeRed emergency alert system as we may utilize this to provide information in the future.

“The borough is actively working toward a resolution for this issue, but we have been informed that this will be a lengthy process. Our goal will always be to provide high-quality water to our customers.

Canfield said the Palmerton Municipal Authority serves about 2,200 customers.

Colleen Connolly, DEP spokeswoman, said in an email Friday morning that the letter is a public notice that Palmerton Municipal Authority was required by DEP to issue to residents as a result of quarterly monitoring from entry point 102 of its water treatment plant that indicated the running annual averages for PFOS and PFOA were exceeding their respective maximum contaminant levels - MCLs.

She said it’s important to note that the public notice deals specifically with PFOS and PFOA, and that Palmerton is currently monitoring annually for lead and copper and is in compliance with the requirements of the Lead and Copper Rule.

Connolly added, “The DEP is working with PMA to monitor the levels in drinking water and to make sure treatment is progressing.”