Wildfire caused widespread drinking water distribution network contamination

Abstract

The Tubbs Fire (2017) and Camp Fire (2018) are the first known wildfires where widespread drinking water chemical contamination was discovered in the water distribution network and not in the source water after the fire. In both disasters, drinking water exceeded state and federal government‐defined exposure limits for several volatile organic compound (VOC) contaminants (e.g., benzene at 40,000 µg/L [Tubbs] and >2,217 µg/L [Camp]). This work outlines factors that influence wildfire‐induced drinking water quality threats based on the findings from these two fires and explores related scientific and policy issues. For example, certain plastics in the network may serve as a primary VOC source through in situ plastic pyrolysis. Depressurization of the distribution network likely transported contaminated water that subsequently contaminated undamaged infrastructure. As wildfires at the wildland–urban interface are likely to occur more frequently, greater scientific evidence is needed to guide agency responses that will better protect public health.

Considerations for Large Building Water Quality after Extended Stagnation

“…Testing, while not typically required for occupied buildings, is the most definitive way to ensure that water in a building is ready for use. Requiring testing after disaster has precedent: When volatile organic compounds were discovered in drinking water after a wildfire in Paradise, California, the local health authority required tests prior to occupancy (BCHD, 2019;Proctor, Lee, Yu, Shah, & Whelton, 2020). Moreover, some North American authorities require testing of lead and copper in schools (Indiana General Assembly, 2020; NY State, 2015).…”

“…A similar approach may be relevant as COVID-19 stay-at-home orders are lifted to minimize public health impacts from stagnant water. For example, when volatile organic compounds were discovered in drinking water after a wildfire, water use restrictions targeted exposures to volatiles (PID, 2018;Proctor et al, 2020). After extended stagnation, a temporary restriction on showers and other aerosol-producing devices in affected buildings could be considered.…”

Drinking water contamination from the thermal degradation of plastics: implications for wildfire and structure fire response

“…In the aftermath of wildfires and structure fires, long-term and potentially unforeseen challenges can exist for impacted communities, especially with regards to their drinking water supply. [1][2][3] After recent wildfire events, volatile organic compound (VOC) contamination in U.S. drinking water systems has prompted questions about the source of these contaminants. 1,4 One of these VOCs included benzene, a carcinogen, which was found at 40 000 μg L −1 and greater than 2217 μg L −1 concentrations in the water distribution systems following the Tubbs Fire (2017) and Camp Fire (2018), respectively.…”

“…[1][2][3] After recent wildfire events, volatile organic compound (VOC) contamination in U.S. drinking water systems has prompted questions about the source of these contaminants. 1,4 One of these VOCs included benzene, a carcinogen, which was found at 40 000 μg L −1 and greater than 2217 μg L −1 concentrations in the water distribution systems following the Tubbs Fire (2017) and Camp Fire (2018), respectively. 1,5,6 Both wildfires occurred in California, and contamination levels greatly exceeded the federal and California state long-term drinking water exposure limits by a factor of 200 to 40 000, and even short-term exposure limits of 26 μg L −1 (California) and 200 μg L −1 (USEPA).…”

“…1,4 One of these VOCs included benzene, a carcinogen, which was found at 40 000 μg L −1 and greater than 2217 μg L −1 concentrations in the water distribution systems following the Tubbs Fire (2017) and Camp Fire (2018), respectively. 1,5,6 Both wildfires occurred in California, and contamination levels greatly exceeded the federal and California state long-term drinking water exposure limits by a factor of 200 to 40 000, and even short-term exposure limits of 26 μg L −1 (California) and 200 μg L −1 (USEPA). [7][8][9] The Camp Fire sample was collected two months after the fire was contained.…”