Lincoln officials discuss proactive water quality monitoring amid PFAS concerns

Lincoln City Council highlighted the city's exceptional water quality during its recent meeting on March 26, 2024. Mayor Carl Skint emphasized that Lincoln sources 90-95% of its water from the American River watershed, with the remaining supply coming from groundwater wells. The city is set to launch a social media campaign to promote this high water quality, leveraging the expertise of its new economic development and communications specialist.

Environmental Services Manager Chris Nelson provided insights into the city's proactive water quality monitoring, which adheres to federal and state regulations. He noted that Lincoln meets all public health goals and produces an annual consumer confidence report detailing regulated contaminants.

A significant topic of discussion was the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as "forever chemicals" due to their resistance to degradation. Nelson explained that these substances have been linked to various health concerns, although definitive human health effects are still being studied. Currently, there are no federal or state regulations for PFAS in drinking water, but the California State Water Board has established health-based advisory levels.

During recent testing, PFAS was detected in Well Number 2, located near the airport, at a level of 7 parts per trillion, which is above the notification threshold but below the action level. The city is investigating the source of this contamination and plans to conduct follow-up sampling in July 2024. This ongoing monitoring will contribute to broader efforts by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to establish maximum contamination levels for PFAS.

The council's commitment to maintaining high water quality and addressing emerging contaminants underscores its proactive approach to public health and environmental safety. As the city continues to monitor and respond to these challenges, residents can expect further updates on water quality initiatives and regulations.