Georgetown Water Utility Prepares for New EPA Regulations on “Forever Chemicals”

Georgetown, KY — The Georgetown Municipal Water and Sewer Service (GMWSS) is working to comply with new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations requiring water utilities to reduce harmful compounds known as “forever chemicals” to below 4 parts per trillion by 2029. This regulatory mandate affects both public and private water providers across the country, including the GMWSS and Kentucky American Water Company.

GMWSS General Manager Chase Azevedo updated the Georgetown City Council on the situation during a recent meeting. He reported that the utility has been monitoring these chemicals since 2023 and is ahead of the curve in sampling efforts compared to other utilities.

According to Azevedo, the toxic chemicals involved, primarily PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), include compounds such as PFOA, PFOS, and GenX, commonly found in products ranging from nonstick cookware to firefighting foams. These substances are notorious for their persistence in the environment and can accumulate in water supplies.

“These compounds have been studied in recent years because we are starting to see an accumulation in the environment,” Azevedo stated. Lab studies indicate that exposure to PFOA significantly raises the risk of certain tumors, and there are ongoing investigations into potential links to cancer among those living near manufacturing plants.

Azevedo revealed that GMWSS has recorded an impressive hazard index of 0.1, far below the critical threshold of 1, meaning that the current levels of concern are low. Testing has shown that the utility’s water is generally below the maximum contaminant level; however, there have been occasional spikes that exceeded it.

The necessary updates to GMWSS’s water treatment facilities to meet EPA standards will entail significant improvements. Azevedo emphasized that GMWSS will pursue grants and funding opportunities to facilitate the upgrades, which will likely include advanced treatment processes such as the use of activated carbon.

In addition to pursuing funding, GMWSS is engaged in litigation against manufacturers of these hazardous chemicals. Azevedo anticipates that settlements from these lawsuits could mitigate some of the future costs for treatment facility enhancements.

Azevedo reassured the public by underscoring the quality of the water currently being provided. “I drink this water every day,” he said, emphasizing that the regulations aim to improve water quality further rather than indicate existing contamination.

Furthermore, a recent inventory of service lines revealed no traces of lead or copper in the water supply, primarily due to modern construction practices and the utility’s proactive replacement of older lines.

Moving forward, GMWSS will continue to monitor the situation, partnering with state and federal agencies to develop effective strategies for compliance. The commitment to public health and safety remains a priority as Georgetown prepares for these forthcoming regulations.