5. Additional Water Quality Testing

Additional Water Quality Testing

As part of the Unregulated Contaminants Monitoring Rule (UCMR), the EPA began studying the prevalence of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) several years ago. PFAS are a group of chemicals that have been in widespread production globally since the 1940s and have been used in common products like nonstick cookware and stain-resistant fabrics, as well as in firefighting foams. As a class, these compounds break down slowly and can therefore persist in the environment.

In communities where PFAS have become a concern for drinking water, problems are often associated with a specific facility — for example, a military base where firefighting training occurs or a factory where PFAS are produced. While Springfield does not have these types of facilities, because of the pervasive nature of these chemicals and out of an abundance of caution, in 2019, SUB began voluntarily sampling for PFAS. In 2025, we monitored for 29 PFAS using analytical methods that can detect a broad range of PFAS at extremely low concentrations. Samples were taken at all five entry points, which is where treated water enters the distribution system. (see results in the table below).

SUB is closely monitoring new developments in PFAS regulations and will work with Oregon Health Authority to ensure that we continue to provide safe, high-quality water to our customers. Please visit SUB’s PFAS Information Page at subutil.com for general information about PFAS and to learn about actions SUB has taken to address PFAS and keep your water safe and of the highest standard for water quality.

What are Unregulated Contaminants?

EPA has drinking water regulations for more than 90 contaminants. The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) includes a process that EPA must follow to identify and list unregulated contaminants, which are those that don’t yet have a drinking water standard set by EPA. This process may lead to development of a National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR). The purpose of monitoring these contaminants is to help EPA decide whether they should have a standard.

[Water samples from I-5 Wellfield had detection levels of 4.8 (ND - 9.5) ppb for Lithium. Water samples from 5th and Moffitt intertie had low detection levels for PFOA and PFOS that ranged from 1.3(ND to 5.3) ppt and 1.5(ND - 9.5) ppt, respectively, PFHxA 1.5(ND - 3.2), PFPeA 0.7(ND - 2.8) and PFBS 0.95(ND 3.8) ppt.]

* Results are displayed as “Average (Range).” For example, 3.5 (ND - 6.3) indicates an average of 3.5, with a range of ND - 6.3.

For a key to abbreviations and terminology used in this table and testing notes, see page 8

Note on storage tank upgrades

As part of an ongoing seismic resiliency upgrade project, SUB replaced an existing storage tank with two new seismically-resilient water storage tanks. The first new tank was brought online in 2023. In 2024, the existing tank was demolished and the second new tank constructed. The interior of the new tanks is protected
with a corrosion-inhibiting coating that meets the national standards for drinking water materials. Although not required, SUB monitors new tanks for 69 volatile organic compounds. These water quality tests have confirmed adherence to the national drinking water standards for coating materials.