Forever chemicals detected in Kalispell water, leading to surprise and action

In recent tests, the Environmental Protection Agency detected cancer-linked PFAS contaminants in Kalispell’s drinking water. It’s among the first detections of the chemicals in Montana’s public water supplies, with one well in the city recording contaminants at 330 times current EPA health advisory levels.

That well detected PFOS or perfluorooctane sulfonate in its water. PFOS is one of six “forever chemicals” the EPA plans to begin regulating this year after emerging health impacts observed from ingestion of the substances. Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances are referred to as forever chemicals because of their properties that can result in them lasting in the environment for thousands of years.

PFAS can also build up in the bloodstream. After studies on humans exposed to these chemicals, PFOS was found to adversely impact the immune system, the cardiovascular system, child development and cancer risks, according to an EPA health advisory.