On August 9, 2024, Health Canada released the updated objectives for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water.
In this document, Health Canada states, “The objective for PFAS in drinking water represents a precautionary group-based approach. The objective value of 30 ng/L (for the sum total of 25 specific PFAS) was established to reduce exposure to PFAS in drinking water. Where PFAS are detected in drinking water, the management of health risks and communication of the issue, as well as treatment options (if required) should be carefully examined with the stakeholders involved while considering the specifics of each situation.”
According to Health Canada, “This objective, based on the sum of specific PFAS detected, serves to reduce potential exposure to PFAS through drinking water while the reassessment of the guidelines and screening values is being completed.”
The 25 PFAS that are included in the new objective value include the following
- PFBA
- PFNA
- PFPeS
- 6:2 FTS
- PFMBA
- PFPeA
- PFDA
- PFHxS
- 8:2 FTS
- NFDHA
- PFHxA
- PFUnA
- PFHpS
- HFPO-DA
- 9Cl-PF3ONS
- PFHpA
- PFDoA
- PFOS
- ADONA
- 11Cl-PF3OUdS
- PFOA
- PFBS
- 4:2 FTS
- PFMPA
- PFEESA
When calculating the sum of PFAS for this objective, a result of “non-detect” is considered to have a value of zero. It is recommended that PFAS concentrations in drinking water be maintained as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA).
The objective value of 30 ng/L (for the sum total of 25 specific PFAS) was established to reduce exposure to PFAS in drinking water (Image by HeungSoon from Pixabay).
Regulating PFAS in Other Countries
In contrast with our neighbors to the south, the United States recently established a Maximum Contaminant Level (legally enforceable) under their Safe Drinking Water Act of 4 to 10 parts per trillion (or ng/L) for individual specific PFAS.
The European Union recommends the sum of all PFAS to be less than 500 ng/L or the sum of 20 select PFAS to be less than 100 ng/L (Source: Nature). In the Nature article, they state, “One of the most restrictive recommendations for drinking water is Health Canada’s, with the sum of all PFAS being less than 30 ng/L.”
Ontario Drinking Water
According to the report, PFAS have not been “regularly monitored at drinking water treatment plants in Canada.”
However, some provinces have conducted some testing of drinking water. For example, in 25 drinking water systems in Ontario (water intakes and treated drinking water), past data collected in Ontario (2012 – 2016) reveal that the most frequently detected compounds in Ontario drinking water were:
- PFOA (73%; median 1.1 ng/L, maximum 6.6 ng/L)
- PFBA (67%; median 2.4 ng/L, maximum 10 ng/L)
- PFHxA (54%; median 1.3 ng/L, maximum 13 ng/L)
- PFPeA (51%; median 1.0 ng/L, maximum 15 ng/L)
- PFOS (50%; median 0.63 ng/L, maximum 5.9 ng/L)
You can find more data for Ontario as well as other provinces in the Heath Canada Report.
The PFAS Problem
There is little debate about the global presence of PFAS (manufactured and used since the 1930s) in water, soil, air, and in human and non-human blood serum and tissue samples. However, what their presence means has yet to be determined.
Of the thousands of manufactured PFAS, only a few have been studied to any degree (see Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry). For those for which we have scientific data, there is no consensus (as seen in the wide range of global recommendations) when it comes to what is considered “safe” levels.
Unless required, we continue to caution our clients regarding the collection of quantitative PFAS data. With the widespread presence of PFAS, it would not be unlikely to detect PFAS, especially in the parts per trillion level. What is not clear is what the PFAS data mean as well as the regulatory and legal consequences of these data.
If you are required to collect PFAS data, you may want to discuss it with your legal counsel before proceeding.
If you need assistance with an environmental issue (compliance, assessments, remediation, excess soil, litigation support, etc…), contact Christopher Pare’, P.Geo. Q.P. at 519-948-7300, Ext. 114.
Dragun Corporation does not use artificial intelligence in drafting our blogs or any other material.
Alan Hahn drafted this blog. Alan has an undergraduate degree in Environmental Studies and completed a graduate program in Environmental Management. He has worked in environmental management for more than 45 years. He has written hundreds of blogs and articles. His published work includes HazMat Magazine, BizX Magazine, Michigan Lawyers Weekly, GreenStone Partners, Manure Manager Magazine, and Progressive Dairy.
Jeffrey Bolin, M.S., reviewed the blog. Jeff is a partner and senior scientist at Dragun Corporation. He is a published author, frequent speaker, and expert witness. His expertise in environmental due diligence, PFAS, vapor intrusion, and site assessments has led to projects in the US, Canada, and overseas. See Jeff’s Bio.
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