PFOA / PFOS / PFAS in Drinking Water

PFOA / PFOS / PFAS Chemicals
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) are fluorinated organic chemicals that are part of a larger group of man-made chemicals referred to as per-and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). 

PFAS are synthetic compounds. They have been used extensively in consumer products such as carpets, clothing, fabrics for furniture, paper packaging for food, fire-fighting foams, and other materials (e.g. cookware) designed to be waterproof, stain-resistant, or non-stick. Two of the most well-known chemicals, PFOS and PFOA, have been phased out in the United States, but they do not break down easily and can linger in the environment. In fact, most people in the U.S. have PFAS in their blood. People are typically exposed through ingestion by eating foods from packaging containing PFOS/PFAS, inhaling certain fabric sprays, or breathing air with dust from contaminated soil, carpets, and clothing.

The presence of PFOS/PFAS in source water and drinking water is complex and concerning to water professionals due to their widespread use and environmental persistence. Continued exposure to high levels of specific PFOS/PFAS can lead to adverse health effects. Rancho Water takes any risks to water quality seriously. The District will continue to closely monitor the quality of the community's drinking water supplies and track the latest information on PFAS.

Additional Information
To learn more about Rancho Water's drinking water quality, customers can view the District's annual Water Quality Reports (PDF). Customers who want a hard copy of the report may email the Public Information Department or call 951-296-6933. 

(Note: PFOS/PFAS sampling is not included in Rancho Water's 2022 water quality report, as the District was not required to report on chemicals that were not detected at the time of sampling.)