Recent news about the presence of PFAS chemicals in drinking water may raise concerns about whether your drinking water is at risk.  Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) are fluorinated organic chemicals that are part of a larger group of synthetic chemicals referred to as per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).  Vista Irrigation District tested your water supply for PFOA and PFOS as required by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and no PFAS were detected.

PFAS are synthetic compounds used extensively in consumer products such as carpets, clothing, fabrics for furniture, paper packaging for food, make-up, fire-fighting foams, and other materials (e.g., cookware) designed to be waterproof, stain-resistant or non-stick.  Two of the most well-known chemicals, PFOS and PFOA, have been phased out in the United States, but do not break down easily and can linger in the environment.

Water is just one of many ways that people come in contact with these substances. People can become exposed to PFAS in a variety of ways, including through consumer products that contain the chemicals, food exposed to the chemicals, and drinking water that has been impacted by the chemicals.  The presence of PFAS in drinking water is complex and often due to widespread use and environmental persistence.  PFAS are resistant to heat, water and oil and have been used for decades in hundreds of industrial applications and consumer products.  PFAS have been found both in the environment and in blood samples of the general U.S. population.  The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also detected PFAS chemicals in the U.S. food supply.

Vista Irrigation District takes any risks to your water quality seriously and continues to take all steps necessary to safeguard your water supply.  To learn more about Vista Irrigation District drinking water quality, customers can view the District’s Consumer Confidence Reports (also known as annual water quality reports).  You may also contact our water quality department at (760) 597-3143 with any questions.

You can learn more about PFAs from the United States Environmental Protection Agency and California Division of Drinking Water.