Palmerton continues to seek solutions after contaminates were once again found in its drinking water.

The Palmerton Municipal Authority sent out a Code Red to homeowners recently 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 it received on May 30 show that their system exceeds the standard, or maximum contaminant level.

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.

Borough Manager Autumn Canfield said Monday morning that during required quarterly testing the borough’s water system violated a drinking water standard.

“We’re working with DEP through their Technical Assistance Program to identify our options for treatment,” Canfield said.

Beginning in January 2024, water systems servicing over 350 customers were required by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection to start initial compliance monitoring for two PFAS chemicals, PFOA and PFOS.

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 exposes to these substances through other sources besides drinking water.

The standard for PFOS is 18 parts per trillion, and for PFOA is 14 parts per trillion. PFOS at Entry Point 102 were found at a level of 48.6ng/L on May 14 the drinking water.

Additionally, PFOA were found at a level of 34.2ng/L on May 14 in the drinking water.

The second quarter average is 35ng/L for PFOS and 31.ng/L for PFOAs.

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

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

“However, exposure to PFOS and PFOA over the MCL may result in adverse health effects,” the notification 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 decreased immune response (neurobehavioral and skeletal effects).

Previous instances

In October, resident Kristine Keblish, who lives in the 500 block of Lafayette Avenue, expressed safety concerns after contaminates were found in the borough’s drinking water.

Keblish discussed PFAS, which are often called ‘forever chemicals’ since they do not break down in the environment.

Canfield said at that time the Palmerton Municipal Authority has been working with DEP, and that they started testing in January 2024.

Keblish told council there is a system known as the Brondell Coral 3-Stage under-the-sink water filter to eliminate the two PFAS found in the water. The system costs a little under $200.

She suggested the borough to offer a reimbursement to residents who wish to purchase the system for their homes.

In August, the borough’s water system violated a drinking water standard after the Palmerton Municipal Authority had levels of PFOS and PFOA above drinking water standards.

The Palmerton Municipal Authority sent out letters to homeowners on June 3, 2024, to make them aware of numbers higher than recommended levels.

The Municipal Authority said it routinely monitors for drinking water contaminants, and that testing results they received on May 3, 2024 show that their system exceeds the standard, or maximum contaminant level for PFOS and PFOA.

Three of the 4 wells that supply the drinking water to borough residents returned elevated levels of PFAS from water sampling. They immediately coordinated with DEP to learn more about PFAS and what the options are for treatment in the near future.

“Currently, we are involved in the technical assistance program where DEP contractors are completing a feasibility study to assist us in our treatment decisions. We intend to resolve the problem as soon as possible.”

To learn more about PFAS, visit: PFAS chemicals overview I AJSDR (cdc.qov)

For more information, contact the borough manager or Public Works Supervisor at 610-826-2505.

Colleen Connolly, DEP spokeswoman, previously said the Palmerton Municipal Authority is 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, and that Palmerton was monitoring annually for lead and copper and was in compliance with those requirements.

The Palmerton Municipal Authority serves about 2,200 customers.