Tazlina Well PFAS Update
The Tazlina Well. Photo by Allison Sayer.
By Allison Sayer
In September, Copper River Basin Housing Authority (CRBHA) posted a notice stating water quality tests at the Tazlina Well indicated the water contained PFOS levels above the federal standard of 4 parts per trillion (ppt). Two consecutive tests showed 10.8 and 12.4 parts per trillion (ppt).
PFOS is a group of chemicals in the PFAS family. Many community members are concerned about this finding because long term accumulation of these chemicals in the body is linked to health issues including cancer and reproductive problems.
I reached out to Teri Nutter, CEO of Copper River Basin Regional Housing Authority (CRBRHA), to learn how CRBHA plans to address the findings. She stated via email that CRBRHA has had the well water re-tested and would like to wait for the results of that test before sharing any short or long term plans.
It is worth noting that while CRBRHA is the current owner of the well, the water is highly likely to have contained PFOS long before CRBRHA took ownership of it.
I spoke with Alaska Community Action on Toxics (ACAT) founder and Executive Director Pamela Miller on October 10.
Miller stated ACAT would be willing to provide free PFOS water testing kits for community members who would like to test their own water, be it to check the efficacy of their filters, to test a nearby well, or otherwise see what’s coming through their pipes. These tests identify 52 different chemicals all known as PFOS, and could help provide some more helpful information. Not all PFOS molecules are the same size, for example, which makes some easier to filter than others.
Information about how these kits will be accumulated within the community is pending at press time. A community member has stepped forward to help with distribution.
Miller took issue with some of the filtration recommendations received by the community. She stated filters’ effectiveness vary based on both the filter and the exact chemicals found in the water being treated. Miller stated that pitcher style filters might only filter the largest members of the PFAS family, for example. Unfortunately, the filter Miller says is the most effective is quite expensive: The Berkey charcoal filter. The retail price is typically over $300. Miller also stated cartridges must be replaced regularly to keep efficacy from degrading over time.
Miller pledged to remain in touch and assist with additional research.
If you or a friend or family member has any personal experience with chemicals including firefighting foam, mechanical lubricants, or even something that you’re not sure of the identity of, please contact me at editor@copperriverrecord.net or (907)255-8687.
I will continue to research this issue and share findings with the community as soon as they are available.
Disclosure: CRBHA is a Copper River Record advertiser. This does not influence our coverage of this issue.