Park City has become the first water system in Utah to receive approval for its PFAS compliance plan from the Utah Division of Drinking Water, according to information released by the Park City Water Department on July 11. The plan allows the city to meet new federal drinking water standards for 'forever chemicals' more than four years before the Environmental Protection Agency’s 2029 deadline.
Strategy for PFAS Compliance
and Blending Process
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The compliance strategy centers on a blending technique designed to manage per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS. While the EPA finalized new regulatory standards for these synthetic chemicals in April 2024, Park City officials noted that PFAS has been detected in the city's well water at levels above the new limits.
To address this, the Water Department is blending water from two wells at the Creekside Water Treatment Plant with PFAS-free water from the 3Kings Water Treatment Plant. This method ensures that the water delivered to households remains below the required Maximum Contaminant Levels for PFOS and PFOA, which are set at 4 parts per trillion.
Timeline of Regulatory
Approvals and Testing
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The implementation of this blending plan follows a multi-year regulatory process. Park City first applied to the Utah Division of Drinking Water in May 2023 to utilize blending as a method for meeting contaminant limits. Following that application, the Utah Division of Drinking Water approved the blending plan in September 2024.
Subsequent testing conducted by Park City scientists in September 2024 verified that the blending at the compliance location successfully achieved results below the federal limits. The city continues to monitor and test the system to ensure ongoing adherence to these standards as it reduces its overall reliance on well water through the use of the new 3Kings Water Treatment Plant.
Addressing the Source
of Chemical Contamination
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City officials have identified fluoro ski wax as the probable source of PFAS contamination in the local water supply. In response, Park City has taken legislative action by prohibiting the use of such wax through a municipal ordinance.
In addition to the ban, the Water Department has partnered with local retailers and the community to manage existing supplies. A 'ski wax take back program' was established to collect contaminated products. To date, the community has successfully turned in 600 pounds of fluoro ski wax for proper disposal, a collaborative effort involving Recycle Utah Executive Director Carolyn Wawra and Water Quality and Treatment Manager Michelle DeHaan.
Ongoing Water Safety
and Public Transparency
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Beyond PFAS management, the Park City Water Department maintains a broader commitment to water safety through regular testing and transparency. The department performs hundreds of different tests on a regular basis to ensure compliance with both EPA and Utah Department of Environmental Quality Division of Drinking Water standards.
As part of its transparency efforts, the department publishes an Annual Drinking Water Quality Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). This report provides residents with detailed information regarding water sources, treatment facility operations, and the highest and lowest levels of various detected parameters. The report also includes data on specific components within the distribution system, such as chlorine residuals, disinfectant by-products, total coliforms, and levels of lead and copper.
Service Line Material
Inventory and Lead Safety
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The department has also completed its required inventory of water service line materials. Following a mandate from the EPA and Utah Division of Drinking Water for an initial survey by October 2024, Park City submitted its inventory identifying whether service lines on both the property owner and city sides of the meter contain lead.
Based on records reviews, customer surveys, and city inspections, the Water Department stated it is confident that there are no lead service lines in the system. Furthermore, the department confirmed there are no galvanized service lines that were or are currently located downstream of a lead service line. The city notes that the EPA requires this inventory to be updated continuously.
Public Contact and
Exposure Resources
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Residents seeking more information regarding the service line inventory or specific water quality data can contact Water Quality and Treatment Manager Michelle DeHaan at 435-615-5340 or via email at michelle.dehaan@parkcity.gov. The city also encourages residents to visit official EPA resources for guidance on reducing personal exposure to PFAS through home treatment devices.
The Park City Water Department continues to monitor well water levels and manage the transition to PFAS-free sources through its new treatment infrastructure.
