/ PFAS Information
Learning About PFAS
The port provides drinking water for some industrial tenants, marine vessels, irrigation, and fire protection. It also provides water for some port employee office buildings.
The port’s annual Drinking Water Quality Report has consistently confirmed that the port conducts water quality monitoring in compliance with state and federal health standards for drinking water.
Like other drinking water purveyors across the country and in Clark County, the port is addressing an emerging issue with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The port has taken action to monitor for PFAS on a quarterly basis since July 2024 and share the information with water users.
PFAS Overview
PFAS are human-made chemicals commonly used since the 1950’s in making products like food packaging, outdoor clothing, non-stick pans, certain types of firefighting foam and others.
PFAS are a global public health concern, and exposure to levels above recommended limits over time may lead to harmful health effects.
In compliance with DOH requirements, the port’s annual Drinking Water Quality Report includes information about PFAS detections. That information is also shared on this website.
PFAS monitoring at the Port of Vancouver
May 2026: New State Regulations
In 2021, the Washington State Board of Health (Board) adopted a rule that requires our water system to test for a new class of contaminants that were not regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) at the time, which included health-based standards called state action levels (SALs) for PFAS.
On April 10, 2024, EPA announced the final National Primary Drinking Water Regulation for PFAS. Starting April 2029, the new EPA standards, called maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) will become effective, and public water systems must take action if PFAS levels are higher than the MCLs. EPA may consider revisions to this compliance schedule.
In January 2026, the Board aligned the SALs with the MCLs so there is one consistent drinking water standard. Exceeding an SAL is based on the running annual average (RAA) exceeding the SAL, as defined in WAC 246-290-010. We are required to notify you when our results exceed the health-based standard.
Drinking water samples collected from the Port of Vancouver water system (ID# 688501) on April 8, 2026 included PFAS detections. The RAAs of two PFAS compounds are above the SALs as determined by the Washington State Department of Health (DOH). The port is providing this information so that its water users can make informed decisions.
State and federal regulators set these levels to protect the health of drinking water consumers. According to the DOH, drinking water with PFAS contaminants above the set limits doesn’t mean you will get sick or have health problems from this exposure. However, regulators are adopting additional rules to reduce PFAS contaminants below these set levels for long term drinking.
PFOA
| Well ID | PFOA RAA | PFOA SAL 4 ppt |
|---|---|---|
| Well 1 Well 2 Well 3 | 5.55 Not Detected (<2) 4.54 | Above Below Above |
PFOS
| Well ID | PFOS RAA | PFOS SAL 4 ppt |
|---|---|---|
| Well 1 Well 2 Well 3 | 11.3 Not Detected (<2) 9.96 | Above Below Above |
–ppt-parts per trillion (1 ppt is equivalent to a single drop of water in 20 Olympic-sized swimming pools)
-RAA = Running annual average. Calculation of the average of sample results collected within the last four quarters, since 1/14/2026
-SAL = Washington State Action Level
-Well 1 operates on an alternating schedule with Well 2, Well 2 RAAs are below the SALs. Well 3 is a backup well
PFAS – a regional issue
DOH states that 2,400 Washington water systems have or will test for PFAS. Multiple local municipalities have tested and provided useful information about efforts to address PFAS:
City of Vancouver: Learn about PFAS
City of Camas: Perfluorinated Compounds in Camas, WA Groundwater
City of Washougal: PFAS | Washougal, WA (cityofwashougal.us)
What is being done by the port?
PFAS is an emerging issue for water systems across the country, and has also been detected in public water systems throughout Clark County. The port has taken steps to address PFAS, including:
- Expert support: Working with water quality experts, the port will ensure testing, monitoring and planning are in compliance with state and federal requirements.
- Ongoing monitoring: The port will continue to monitor its drinking water sources and comply with DOH’s water quality monitoring schedule.
- Sharing information: Results from ongoing monitoring and steps the port is taking to address this issue are made available here and shared with water users.
- Future planning: The port is committed to providing safe and clean drinking water, though it cannot yet estimate the date when the affected wells will be below the SALs. The port is continuing quarterly monitoring, working with DOH and water-quality experts, and evaluating operational, treatment, blending, source-management, and other options to reduce PFAS levels and maintain reliable service. The port will provide updated notice every three months for as long as the results continue to exceed the SALs, or as otherwise directed by DOH.
What do we know about PFAS?
PFAS are a large family of chemicals that are tasteless, colorless, and odorless. They do not occur in nature and are produced to make many products including stain-resistant carpets and fabrics, nonstick pans, fast food wrappers, grease-proof food containers, waterproof clothing, and a special kind of firefighting foam. Over many years of manufacturing and use, these unregulated chemicals have been released into the environment from industrial plants, fire training sites, consumer products and other sources. Once released, PFAS do not break down easily and last for a long time in the environment. Some PFAS have seeped from surface soil into groundwater. Public health officials are concerned about PFAS in drinking water because of new information about their potential human health effects. When ingested, some PFAS can build up in the body and, over time, may increase to a level where health effects could occur. Human health effects of PFAS are still being actively researched and health advice continues to evolve.
Additional information about PFAS is available in the section below.
What are the potential health effects?
There are many different PFAS. We are still learning about their health effects in people.
PFOA. Some people who drink water containing PFOA in excess of the SAL over many years may experience problems with their cardiovascular system, liver, thyroid, or immune system; have high blood pressure during pregnancy, have babies with lower birthweights; and be at higher risk of getting certain types of cancers. In addition, there may be increased risks of developmental and immune effects for people who drink water containing PFOA in excess of the SAL following repeated exposure during pregnancy and/or childhood.
PFOS. Some people who drink water containing PFOS in excess of the SAL over many years may experience problems with their cardiovascular, liver, thyroid, or immune systems; have children with lower birthweights; and be at higher risk of getting certain types of cancers. In addition, there may be increased risks of developmental and immune effects for people who drink water containing PFOS in excess of the MCL following repeated exposure during pregnancy and/or childhood.
How can I reduce exposure?
- Learn more about PFAS, steps individuals can take to reduce exposure to PFAS, and more at doh.wa.gov/pfas
- Search for information about PFAS and minimize your exposure to contamination in foods you consume. For instance, pay attention to local fish advisories put out by the Dept. of Health.
- Boiling your water will not reduce PFAS levels.
- If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or mixing infant formula with tap water, use an alternative source for drinking or mixing infant formula. If you have specific health concerns, consult your healthcare provider.
- Under sink and countertop water filters are available that use reverse osmosis or an activated carbon filter to lower the levels of PFAS in your water, detailed here Point of Use Water Treatment 331-699 (PDF). There are several different types of filters you can purchase depending on your budget and water flow rate PFAS Point-Of-Use Filter Options 331-713 )PDF). Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance and replacement recommendations.
State and federal agencies have prepared resources to address other frequently asked questions:
Washington State Department of Health:
- PFAS frequently asked questions: https://doh.wa.gov/community-and-environment/contaminants/pfas
- How to Reduce Exposure to PFAS in Your Tap Water: https://doh.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2022-02/331-681.pdf
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry:
- PFAS and Your Health: https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas/index.html
United States Environmental Protection Agency:
- PFAS Home: https://www.epa.gov/pfas
- Meaningful and Achievable Steps You Can Take to Reduce Your Risk: https://www.epa.gov/pfas/meaningful-and-achievable-steps-you-can-take-reduce-your-risk
Keeping you informed
By regularly assessing its water, sharing information with water users, and evaluating next steps and potential solutions, the port remains committed to providing safe, clean drinking water for its staff and tenants. Results from ongoing monitoring and steps the port is taking to address this issue will be made available here and shared with water users.
If you have questions regarding drinking water, please call Port of Vancouver USA Environmental Manager Matt Graves at (360) 693-3611. You may also reach us at info@portvanusa.com.