Montgomery County Health Officer Dr. Kisha Davis is issuing a localized public health advisory for a specific portion of the Muddy Branch stream watershed and surrounding ponds. The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) recently notified the County of elevated levels of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) detected in water samples.
Significantly elevated levels of these chemicals were found in a small stream running along the south side of Great Seneca Highway and beneath Key West Avenue. The highest sampling results are located adjacent to the site of the former Montgomery County Public Safety Training Academy (PSTA).
The County is issuing this water contact advisory out of an abundance of caution to protect residents and their pets from potential health risks associated with exposure to these areas. The primary risk is from ingestion (swallowing) of contaminated water or fish from these natural bodies of water.
Immediate Guidance and Proactive Measures
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In areas covered by this public health advisory, residents and visitors are to take the following measures to reduce health risks:
- Do Not Consume Caught Fish: Do not fish or consume any fish caught in these waters. The cleaning or cooking of fish does not remove PFAS.
- No Swimming or Wading: Do not swim, wade, or allow children to play in the affected streams or stormwater ponds to prevent the accidental swallowing of water.
- Protect Pets: Do not allow pets to drink from, swim in, or explore the banks of the identified streams and ponds.
- Practice Immediate Hygiene: Ingestion is the primary risk associated with these chemicals. If accidental contact with the water occurs, wash skin and hands thoroughly with soap and clean water.
Drinking Water and Private Well Guidance
- Public Tap Water Remains Safe: WSSC Water has confirmed that all public drinking water remains in full compliance with federal drinking water standards for PFAS and continues to be safe for consumption.
- Testing for Nearby Well Owners: To rule out the risk of local groundwater contamination, the County is contacting private well owners in the vicinity of the highest sample results to offer free testing of well water.
- Annual Well Recommendations: MDE recommends that all private well owners, regardless of location, have their well water tested at least once a year to ensure safety, and advises including annual PFAS testing. General guidance can be accessed on MDE’s Be Well Wise webpage.
General Health Information Regarding PFAS
PFAS, commonly referred to as “forever chemicals,” are human-made substances that have been used since the 1940s in many consumer and industrial products, including specialized firefighting foams. These chemicals are highly persistent, do not break down easily, and can travel through surface and groundwater.
While the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established federal standards for six PFAS chemicals in treated drinking water, there are currently no federal guidelines for PFAS in surface waters, caught fish, and other food products. The Maryland Department of the Environment is actively managing a statewide strategy to monitor public drinking water, test fish and wildlife, enforce product bans, and investigate historical contamination sites to reduce public exposure to PFAS.
Although PFAS are now found in almost all environments, the levels detected at the sample locations shown on the map (MB8 and MB9) are substantially higher than those observed in other natural environments. Research indicates that long-term exposure to certain PFAS compounds may increase the risk for certain types of cancer and can impact other aspects of health.
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The County has formed a multi-agency task force to coordinate ongoing testing, evaluate environmental and health risks, and determine appropriate remediation strategies in coordination with state officials.
How to Stay Informed
Throughout this investigation, the County will update the public as new information and sampling data become available.
- Community Town Hall: A public meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 17, at DuFief Elementary School, to provide details and answer questions. The school is located at 15001 DuFief Drive in North Potomac.
- Online Resources: Residents can find updated information, maps, and links to state fact sheets by visiting MontgomeryCountyMD.gov/PFAS.
- Local Questions: Community members can seek answers to localized questions by calling 311.
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Read the original article at mcdhhs