Orange County Grand Jury • 2025-2026

Pfas and Public Awareness: a Closer Look at Orange County Drinking Water

Published: June 11, 2026 63 pages
View Original PDF

Findings and Recommendations 8 findings

F1
Commercial and industrial chemical manufacturers are a major source of PFAS contamination. Settlement litigation funds are available for community water systems to make claims.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
By September 30, 2026, Orange County Water District (OCWD), in coordination with state and federal agencies, should pursue cost recovery efforts against PFAS manufacturers to offset treatment, monitoring, and long-term remediation costs incurred by local water agencies and ratepayers. [F1, F5]
F2
PFAS is widespread, and contamination has been detected in Orange County groundwater sources. Community water systems are required to report PFAS monitoring results in their annual Consumer Confidence Reports.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
By July 1, 2029, OCWD and its member agencies should monitor PFAS in groundwater and surface water sources and promptly implement PFAS treatment when response levels are exceeded. [F2, F4]
F3
PFAS exposure is associated with potential adverse human health effects.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
By September 30, 2026, OCWD, in collaboration with the Orange County Health Care Agency, should update public education and guidance continually as scientific understanding and regulatory standards evolve. [F3]
F4
OCWD has taken a proactive leadership role in addressing PFAS in the Orange County Groundwater Basin, though PFAS treatment implementation varies across local cities and water districts.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4
By July 1, 2029, all Orange County water retailers should consistently include a PFAS advisory, treatment facilities status, and compliance information in consumer confidence reports and on agency websites, using clear and understandable language for the public. [F2, F8]
F5
Groundwater supplies must either be treated to remove PFAS or must be replaced with imported water supplies that are significantly more expensive than groundwater. Over $500 million is being spent on construction, operations, and maintenance of PFAS treatment facilities in Orange County.
Related Recommendations (1)
R5
By September 30, 2026, OCWD and all Orange County water retailers should enhance coordinated public education efforts to reassure their customers about drinking water safety. [F6, F8]
F6
Orange County drinking water meets or exceeds state and federal standards and is safe for consumption without additional home filtration.
Related Recommendations (1)
R6
By September 30, 2026, OCWD should continuously monitor national and international PFAS research developments and incorporate new findings into future groundwater management, treatment planning, and regulatory compliance strategies. [F7] -2026
F7
Research on newer PFAS compounds and long-term exposure effects is ongoing.
No recommendations for this finding
F8
There are limited online PFAS education and outreach programs among Orange County water retailers. Most retailers rely on OCWD for PFAS education and outreach. PFAS advisories were included in approximately 55% of the Orange County water retailers’ annual water quality reports in 2025. of 62
No recommendations for this finding