Public Notice - PFAS
Public Notice - PFAS
In 2023, Jasper Municipal Water conducted four rounds of testing for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (“PFAS”) in the City of Jasper drinking water supply in compliance with State and Federal monitoring requirements under the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR5). In addition, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) conducted PFAS monitoring of all community public water systems in Indiana, including Jasper.
During the initial sampling event, a trace level of perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) was reported. PFBA is one of many PFAS compounds that are monitored during UCMR5 testing.
Importantly, no PFAS compounds were detected in the three subsequent rounds of testing, and no PFAS compounds were detected in IDEM’s independent sampling of the Jasper water system.
At the time of the first sampling, national PFAS testing protocols were still being developed. Because PFAS compounds are present in many everyday consumer products—such as waterproof clothing, food packaging, cosmetics, and non-stick cookware—testing requires extremely strict procedures to avoid accidental contamination during sample collection.
Following the initial sampling, enhanced national protocols were implemented, including strict controls on clothing, equipment, and materials used during sampling. These procedures were followed in all subsequent testing events.
With these improved protocols in place, no PFAS compounds have been detected in Jasper’s drinking water supply.
The City’s drinking water source is the Patoka River, and Jasper Municipal Water continues to work closely with state and federal regulators to monitor emerging contaminants and maintain the highest standards of water quality.
Providing residents with a safe and dependable supply of drinking water remains our highest priority, and we will continue to monitor PFAS and other contaminants in accordance with all state and federal requirements.
