TO: Members of the City Council
FROM: Mayor Angela Birney
DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR CONTACT(S):
|
Public Works |
Aaron Bert |
425-556-2786 |
DEPARTMENT STAFF:
|
Public Works |
Ernest Fix |
Operations Manager |
|
Public Works |
Aaron Moldver |
Environmental Programs Manager |
TITLE:
title
PFAS Regulations and Redmond’s Drinking Water
OVERVIEW STATEMENT:
recommendation
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of human-made chemicals that have the potential to adversely affect human health and the environment. Over the last few years federal and state PFAS regulations have been evolving as more is learned about this emerging contaminant. Redmond has been monitoring the groundwater since 2014 to assess risks to the City’s supply wells. Recent sampling efforts, required under federal Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR), have detected PFAS in Redmond’s supply wells over the state and federal requirements. This informational presentation will provide a high-level overview of PFAS, current and evolving regulations, impacts in Redmond and actions the City will need to take.
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☐ Additional Background Information/Description of Proposal Attached
REQUESTED ACTION:
☒ Receive Information ☐ Provide Direction ☐ Approve
REQUEST RATIONALE:
• Relevant Plans/Policies:
Water System Plan, Utilities Strategic Plan
• Required:
N/A
• Council Request:
N/A
• Other Key Facts:
Redmond System
Redmond operates a hybrid water system, where approximately 40% of drinking water comes from the City’s five municipal supply wells. The other 60% of water is purchased from Cascade Water Alliance.
Public Works strives to provide safe and reliable drinking water today and for future generations. Redmond’s municipal supply wells are deemed moderately and highly vulnerable to surface contamination and requires diligence to protect this valuable resource.
Regulatory Changes
PFAS regulations have been evolving in recent years, both at the state and federal level. On April 10, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized the first-ever maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for six PFAS chemicals, which takes effect in 2029. Effective on January 15, 2026, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) will decrease the State Action Levels for six PFAS chemicals to align with EPA’s MCLs.
Sampling Results
Sampling of Redmond’s municipal supply wells has been conducted to comply with both the EPA and DOH requirements. City testing results first showed PFAS were potentially present in Supply Wells 1 and 2 in January 2024. Additional testing in April 2024 confirmed that PFAS was present in Wells 1 and 2. PFAS levels have remained consistent in all subsequent testing.
Based on results at Supply Wells 1 and 2 treatment will be needed by 2029 to meet the EPA MCL for perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS). Public Works has developed a scope of work and is actively seeking a consultant to evaluate treatment options. Staff are actively working with the selected consultant to have a negotiated contract ready to be presented at the February 3, 2026, Committee of the Whole meeting.
Proactive Measures
In addition to the testing requirements at our drinking water supply wells, Redmond’s Groundwater Protection Program has a network of groundwater monitoring wells where testing occurs twice per year. This groundwater monitoring network acts as an early warning system to identify new contaminants in our aquifer before they reach our drinking water supply wells. Since 2018, a small number of these monitoring wells have detected PFAS. These wells continue to be monitored for PFAS and other chemicals. As changes in state and federal regulations occur, the Groundwater Protection Program uses new testing protocols to make sure the most up-to-date methods are used to protect our drinking water.
Communication to Date
In June 2025, the city published its annual Water Quality Report with PFAS testing results included and added the testing results to the city website redmond.gov/PFAS. All water customers were notified of the availability of the Water Quality Report with a utility bill insert and through a print newsletter, the Summer 2025 Focus on Redmond, which was mailed to every residence in the city. The report was also advertised on social media and through email newsletters, and staff were made available to discuss it with residents at Redmond’s annual summer festival, Derby Days.
OUTCOMES:
Receive information on PFAS regulations and detections in Redmond’s drinking water, and actions the City will need to take.
COMMUNITY/STAKEHOLDER OUTREACH AND INVOLVEMENT:
• Timeline (previous or planned):
Future communication will include notification to customers within the well service area based on DOH requirements.
• Outreach Methods and Results:
Current Communication: Results of PFAS detections have been shared via the city website redmond.gov/PFAS, the Water Quality Report with a utility bill insert, and in multiple social media posts.
Future Communication: public notification of PFOS detections in Wells 1 and 2 to customers in the well service area will likely be required by DOH in Q1 2027.
• Feedback Summary:
N/A
BUDGET IMPACT:
Total Cost:
N/A
Approved in current biennial budget: ☐ Yes ☐ No ☒ N/A
Budget Offer Number:
0000267 and 0000268
Budget Priority:
Healthy and Sustainable
Other budget impacts or additional costs: ☐ Yes ☐ No ☒ N/A
If yes, explain:
N/A
Funding source(s):
Utility rates
Budget/Funding Constraints:
N/A
☐ Additional budget details attached
COUNCIL REVIEW:
Previous Contact(s)
|
Date |
Meeting |
Requested Action |
|
N/A |
Item has not been presented to Council |
N/A |
Proposed Upcoming Contact(s)
|
Date |
Meeting |
Requested Action |
|
2/3/2026 |
Committee of the Whole - Planning and Public Works |
Provide Direction |
|
2/27/2026 |
Business Meeting |
Approve |
Time Constraints:
N/A
ANTICIPATED RESULT IF NOT APPROVED:
N/A
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A: PFAS Regulations and Redmond’s Drinking Water Staff Report PPT
Attachment B: Executive Summary PFAS Detection in Drinking Water