PFAS Results and Water Consumer Confidence Report

No Detection of PFAS/PFOS In the City of Livingston Water Supply

The City of Livingston tested for PFAS (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances) and PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) in 2023 with results of less than 2 PPT, which means it was below the detection limit. These chemicals are being monitored over the next year as a part of the EPA-required UCMR 5 testing (Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule). Last year's initial testing in March 2023, and the second test in September returned with NO DETECTION was found in the municipal water supply for the City of Livingston. 

PFAS/PFOA has been in the news extensively due to their potential health and environmental impacts. These chemicals are commonly referred to as "forever chemicals" because they are highly persistent in the environment and do not break down easily. In response to the growing concerns, the EPA UCMR 5 requires unregulated contaminants such as PFAS/PFOA to be monitored by public water systems.

PFAS/PFOA is used in a wide range of consumer and industrial products, including cookware, waterproofing agents, food packaging, and firefighting foams, used on military bases and commercial airports. They have been widely used due to their unique properties, such as water and grease resistance, durability, and heat resistance. However, the widespread use and persistence of PFAS/PFOA have raised concerns about their potential adverse health effects, including cancers, as well as endocrine disruption, and immune system depression.

According to Ryan Townsend, Water Superintendent, "The City of Livingston Water Department treated 768,080,000.00 gallons of water to provide drinking water for the citizens of Livingston in 2023. The department operated the entire year without violations and met or exceeded all EPA and DEQ water quality requirements. As part of the commitment to providing the residents of Livingston with safe, quality drinking water, the City’s facilities regularly do routine testing, maintenance, and upgrades."

If residents have questions about the quality of the City's drinking water, they can contact the Public Works Department at (406)222-5667 or visit the website at www.livingstonmontana.org