New California PFAS Response Levels and Drinking Water Sampling Information

On February 6th, the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) announced new lower drinking water response levels for PFOA and PFOS, and shared new legislative provisions for public water system (PWS) PFAS sampling, as well as 2019 second quarter sample results.

The PFAS drinking water response levels for PFOA and PFOS have been lowered from a combined sum of 70 parts per trillion (ppt) to 10 ppt for PFOA and 40 ppt for PFOS, while the current notification levels remain unchanged. California has different response and notification levels for PFOA and PFOS that are calculated on a quarterly running annual average (QRAA). Response levels are set higher than notification levels and represent the level for PWSs to either take the source out of service; implement treatment or blending; or provide public notification of the response level exceedance within 30 days of lab notification.

New PFAS drinking water sampling provisions in California Assembly Bill 756 authorize the SWRCB to order a PWS to monitor for PFAS and require electronic submittals of all PFAS monitoring results. PFAS sampling results from the second quarter (July-September) have now been added to California’s interactive mapping tool and charts showing the location and concentration of samples taken throughout different areas of the state.

For more information, visit the SWRCB website. To view the mapping tool and sample results select the “Drinking Water” tab under “PFAS Information and Resources,” then select “PWS Testing Results.”