California funds new PFAS treatment system for Tustin’s drinking water

(UI) — As the federal government moves to scale back regulations on PFAS in drinking water, California is pushing ahead with its own efforts to address contamination. Governor Gavin Newsom has announced the launch of a new, state-funded water treatment system in the city of Tustin designed to remove per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

The project—unveiled by the State Water Resources Control Board, the City of Tustin, and the Orange County Water District (OCWD)—is part of a larger state initiative to eliminate so-called “forever chemicals” from California’s water supplies.

“I’m proud to share the City of Tustin will now receive drinking water clean of ‘forever chemicals’ that have been associated with negative health impacts,” said Newsom. “As the state works to bring more water systems like the one announced today to fruition, California is leading by example in prioritizing the wellbeing of our communities.”

PFAS refers to a group of about 12,000 synthetic compounds widely used in industrial and commercial products. These chemicals persist in the environment and can accumulate in the human body, where studies have linked them to increased cancer risk and other health effects.

“PFAS have only been recognized as a threat to public health relatively recently,” said State Water Board Chair E. Joaquin Esquivel. “But with increasing data substantiating the need to eliminate these compounds from our drinking water, the board is moving quickly to support projects similar to this one.”

The $29.5 million treatment facility in Tustin received a $10 million grant from California’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund and another $11.5 million in federal funding. The fund—established under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law—has provided California with $269 million since 2022 to support drinking water projects statewide.

“We are grateful to the State Water Board for this grant to support a new PFAS treatment facility in Tustin,” said OCWD President Denis R. Bilodeau, P.E. “OCWD did not create the PFAS problem, but we are tackling it head on by partnering with our water retailers to build treatment systems to ensure our communities continue to receive drinking water that meets all state and federal standards.”

Tustin’s project is one of seven led by OCWD to address PFAS in Orange County. A total of $28.5 million in revolving fund support has been allocated across the seven systems, most of which are either complete or nearing completion.

In addition to funding water system upgrades, the State Water Board has been assessing PFAS contamination in drinking water and groundwater sources throughout California. The agency has issued health advisories and response levels, expanded PFAS testing to nearly 4,000 wells in disadvantaged communities, and is using the resulting data to map contamination and guide treatment strategies.

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