TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
THRU: Thomas R. Hatch, Interim City Manager
FROM: Christopher Cash, Public Works Director
1. Subject
title
Support for Federal PFAS Legislation to protect ratepayers and water agencies. Resolution No. 11364.
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2. Summary
The Orange County Groundwater Basin supplies 77% of the water supply to residents, business, and visitors of Orange. PFAS has been detected in the Basin, entering primarily via the Santa Ana River whose flows infiltrate into and recharge the Basin. Although chemical manufacturers are the original source of PFAS chemicals, the City must find ways to remove them from our water supplies. PFAS impact to Orange County is estimated to cost more than $1 billion, over 30 years, a cost that will likely increase. The City of Orange supports federal legislation that protects ratepayers and water/wastewater agencies from these devastating impacts and urges Congress to cast votes that support these public policy positions.
3. Recommended Action
recommendation
Adopt Resolution No. 11364. A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Orange expressing support for Federal PFAS Legislation protecting ratepayers and water and wastewater agencies.
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4. Fiscal Impact
None.
5. Strategic Plan Goals
Goal 1: Provide for a safe community
b: Provide and maintain infrastructure necessary to ensure the safety of the public.
Goal 4: Provide outstanding public service
b: Provide facilities and services to meet customer expectations.
6. Discussion and Background
In coordination with the Orange County Water District, the City closely monitors potential PFAS legislation and advocates for critical PFAS policy priorities including: 1) All PFAS related legislation must exempt water and water agencies from any liability for PFAS clean-up costs, 2) All legislative efforts to amend the Safe Drinking Water Act must preserve the current use of cost-benefit analysis in the development of drinking water standards, and 3) Provide funding for PFAS remediation to water and wastewater agencies. Staff recommends adoption of the attached resolution that will aid the City in communicating its position on these important public policy matters to stakeholders and legislators.
7. ATTACHMENTS
• Resolution No. 11364