By Sam Parsons

Yesterday, the Iowa DNR released a summary of the results from their testing of different public water supplies across the state of Iowa for levels of PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals”, and no issues were found in those tested in the No Coast Network listening area. PFAS are chemicals used in water-resistant, stain-resistant, and heat-resistant products such as carpets, clothing, non-stick pans, and food packaging, and have been linked to medical issues such as increased risks of cancer and infertility.

The DNR began testing public water supplies for PFAS in October of 2021 and tested a total of 116 different sources of water in the state, chosen by a system that prioritized locations at a higher risk of contamination. According to the summary, those included Mahaska Rural Water in New Sharon, Ottumwa Water Works, the Eddyville Municipal Water Department, and the Montezuma Municipal Water Supply. None of those locations had levels of PFAS that violated guidelines recently set by the EPA. A total of 20 communities across Iowa did see their tested levels of PFAS above recommended levels; they will now require quarterly monitoring from the DNR.

The full report is available at iowadnr.gov.