Earlier this week, officials in Hermiston, Oregon, weighed how to confront PFAS contamination in the city's drinking water, including a long-range treatment plan and possible state assistance.
At the center of the discussion was a multimillion-dollar upgrade, as the city looks ahead to tighter federal drinking water requirements.
What's happening?
At a meeting Monday, the Hermiston City Council took up two measures tied to PFAS in the municipal water system. According to Elkhorn Media Group, testing identified the chemicals in three city water sources, with some results higher than the federal thresholds that will apply in 2029.
In addition to testing for contamination, Anderson Perry & Associates reviewed what Hermiston's water system will need over the next two decades. That work was meant to find a path that addresses PFAS while also maintaining enough capacity for future homes and businesses.
At the meeting, leaders approved both resolutions, including "installing treatment and filtration at Well #5, decommissioning Wells #2 and #4, and maximizing use of the Regional Water Treatment Plant to provide additional water to the City," according to an official announcement.
They also greenlit the PFAS Mitigation Feasibility Study and approved an application to Oregon Health Authority's Safe Drinking Water Revolving Loan Fund Emerging Contaminants Program, which offers "forgivable loan funding." The improvements will cost an estimated $26 million.
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Why does it matter?
PFAS have become a growing concern for communities across the country because they do not break down easily in the environment. That persistence is why they are widely known as forever chemicals.
The issue affects the water coming out of household taps every day. When contamination levels exceed federal standards, cities can face costly upgrades to protect public health and stay in compliance.
Hermiston's situation highlights the financial challenge many local governments face. A $26 million water improvement plan is a major undertaking for any city, especially when it must balance safety, infrastructure needs, and future growth all at once.
Federal limits take effect in 2029, giving the city limited time to build the treatment systems needed to keep drinking water within legal limits.
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What's being done?
Major water improvements often begin with technical studies, public meetings, and funding applications long before construction starts.
Under Hermiston's plan, Well No. 5 will play a central role through the addition of treatment and filtration equipment aimed at lowering PFAS levels.
Seeking forgivable loan funding from the state could reduce how much of the cost must be covered locally. That kind of assistance is especially valuable for contamination projects that require specialized treatment technology.
Additionally, Hermiston is joining a class action case against major PFAS producers. The city is seeking to recover costs from major producers of PFAS.
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