City Announces Non-Detect Results in PFAS, Lithium Sampling

Information from the City of Piqua

PIQUA - The City of Piqua is pleased to announce that drinking water samples recently collected and analyzed for 29 PFAS compounds and lithium had results of non-detect. A non-detect analytical sample indicates that the substance’s concentration is lower than could be detected using the method employed by the laboratory.

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   The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandates municipalities nationwide complete drinking water sampling for the monitoring of currently unregulated contaminants. The program is officially termed UCMR5, which stands for Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule with the number representing that this is the fifth round of such sampling since 2005.

 

   The City contracted with Eurofins Eaton Analytical in South Bend, Ind., for the UCMR5 analysis conducted in November as well as the UCMR5 analyses completed in February, May and August with a non-detect result. This fourth sampling event concludes the City of Piqua’s compliance in the UCMR5 program.

 

   The analyses test for the presence of 29 polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals.” Studies have shown that exposure to PFAS compounds have possible health effects such as elevated cholesterol, liver damage, thyroid dysfunction, decreased immune response, elevated risk of certain cancers and fertility/developmental issues. 

 

   The analyses also monitor the lithium levels in finished drinking water. With the recent emergence of electric devices, including vehicles, the mining and manufacturing of lithium has raised concerns about the possible health effects of lithium exposure, including from drinking water sources.

 

   The Eurofins Eaton Analytical report can be found HERE.