Medford Water Commission - PFAS in the News

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) periodically appear in the news regarding their detection in drinking water around the country. Fortunately, both of the Commission’s water sources are at low risk for PFAS, and we have not detected PFAS in either the Big Butte Springs or the Rogue River sources. We will continue to monitor these drinking water sources for contaminants such as PFAS and maintain our robust source water protection programs to continue to bring you a reliable, high-quality water supply at the best value.

PFAS are a group of human-made chemicals that have been manufactured and used in a variety of industries in the United States since the 1940s and found in many consumer products like cookware, food packaging, and stain repellants. PFAS manufacturing and processing facilities, airports, and military installations that use firefighting foams are some of the main sources of PFAS. Click here for more information on PFAS from the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

For answers to Water Quality-related Frequently Asked Questions, click here.