Palmerton residents want to know if their drinking water is safe to consume.

It’s a very valid concern that’s become even more intensified amid the detection of elevated PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” in its local public water system.

As a result, borough residents find themselves grappling with the issue and want assurances that their water is clean and safe to ingest, concerns that are more than justified.

In May 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency was made aware by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection of the presence of PFOS and PFOA above the federal maximum contaminant level in Palmerton Municipal Authority’s drinking water supply.

The EPA immediately began working with the water system to determine where the PFAS was coming from and how the agency could help address the contamination.

As part of those efforts, the EPA tested soil, groundwater and surface water on the Palmerton Zinc Pile Superfund site and found elevated levels of PFAS that are likely contributing to the drinking water issues, and is working to investigate any additional sources.

While the agency’s investigation continues, the EPA is installing a temporary granular activated carbon treatment system that will be located at Palmerton’s treatment and distribution system.

The agency is also taking steps to develop the best strategy for long-term access to safe drinking water for Palmerton residents.

The EPA said technical specifications for the system are in review, and that will be followed by a request for proposals that will be reviewed, with the hope to award the project by spring and install it by late summer.

In the meantime, EPA stressed that home water filters can reduce the amount of forever chemicals in the water.

About 150 community members attended a meeting at Aquashicola Fire Company earlier this month as the EPA updated the Palmerton community about the ongoing cleanup efforts at the Superfund site and reducing forever chemicals affecting the local public water system.

During a brief public question and answer session that followed, one resident asked if the EPA tests people, but was told the agency does not do blood testing.

Another individual said he was concerned with his health, as well as that of the area’s children and grandchildren.

Several residents openly questioned if the water is safe to drink, while another asked what the current risks are for the residents who have been living in the borough and drinking the water for years.

Essentially, they were told the level in the water is not a huge amount right now.

A resident noted that for the past decade, there has been toxic waste dumped on the former zinc company’s West End plant, and was told if it leads to that area, they would need to investigate.

An EPA representative detailed the EPA’s next steps beyond the temporary system. She said private well testing in Palmerton and Lower Towamensing Township would start in March.

There will be two rounds of testing, but they are at no cost and are confidential.

Wells requiring a response will be addressed as they are identified, and there will be coordination with the DEP and Palmerton.

The PFAS site and surrounding area investigation will begin in March and continue at least into the summer of 2027.

The EPA remedial takeover of temporary treatment system is targeted for the fall of 2027, and there will be a feasibility study for permanent groundwater treatment or alternative water supply.

It would start in the summer of 2027, and takes anywhere from 12 to 24 months to complete.

There will be continued community engagement, information sharing and face-to-face meetings.

The following day, the EPA assured that it is taking the necessary steps to ensure clean, safe drinking water for Palmerton residents.

One thing that’s for certain is Palmerton residents can be rest assured this won’t be the last time they’ll be hearing from the EPA.