After the City of Prescott announced in July that it had shut down two of its wells near the Prescott airport because of positive tests for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), Prescott Valley immediately tested all but two of its 27 wells (the two were offline). Of the 25 wells tested, four were found to have measurable amounts of the chemicals in the water pumped. The Town subsequently also tested its influent and effluent flows at the Water Treatment Plant, with positive results.
The Town shut down the four positive wells and retested to confirm results. The four returned positive on the retests. The two wells that were not tested in the first round because they were offline at the time are being tested, and the Town is waiting those results.
Prescott Valley will follow up with a plan for further action that includes consulting with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. Town Council and an ADEQ representative will conduct a study session on the PFAS issue on Thursday, Sept. 8, 3 p.m., at the Prescott Valley Public Library Auditorium. The public is welcome.
The four wells are Little Pete and Lake Valley in central Prescott Valley, and Quailwood 2 and 3 in east Prescott Valley. The Town’s wells are interconnected so water can be moved to different areas to serve the community during repairs or shutdowns.
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are not currently regulated by the EPA, but the agency has advised that exposure to high levels of these chemicals may be harmful to human health. In June 2022, EPA significantly reduced the health advisory levels for the chemicals.
Other communities throughout Arizona and the nation are also experiencing positive tests for PFAS with the lowered testing threshold. The chemicals are commonly found in some grease-resistant paper such as in fast-food containers, pizza boxes, stain resistant coatings, water resistant clothing, some cleaning and personal care products, paint products, and aqueous firefighting foams.
More information on PFAS may be found at:
Prescott Valley water is tested annually and meets all safe drinking water standards required by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. View the entire water quality report at
View the latest Influent/Effluent test results for Prescott Valley’s Wastewater Treatment Plant at www.pv-azgov.info/3pMUqU8
For additional questions, please call the Prescott Valley Utilities Department at 928-759-3070 or visit www.prescottvalley-az.gov.
2 thoughts on “Prescott Valley influent, effluent water also tests positive for PFAS chemicals”
So, Prescott Valley cannot ignore a follow up to Prescott. Note the measurement of these trace chemicals is in the “parts per Trillion” and only one lab in America can even measure at that level. Please, please do not enter the world of excessive government costs being introduced for this issue.
The humane costs will be higher with additional regulation from the so-called Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
It is not “so called” it is the Environmental Protection Agency…
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