Olympic View Water and Sewer sues Edmonds School District over Madrona forever chemicals

The Olympic View Water and Sewer District has initiated legal action against the Edmonds School District for allegedly violating the Safe Drinking Water Act by discharging PFAS-contaminated stormwater from Madrona K-8 School. The lawsuit, filed on July 25, follows a May letter of intent and asserts that the school district's actions jeopardize underground drinking water sources. General Manager Bob Danson highlighted the urgency of the situation, particularly as the rainy season approaches, urging the district to stop PFAS discharges. The Edmonds School District has firmly rejected the allegations, stating it complies with all clean water standards and has been actively addressing PFAS concerns. Ralston mentioned that some water samples indicated elevated PFAS levels, but asserted there is no evidence of groundwater contamination.

The district has also identified PFAS in soil from bioretention planters, which will be replaced to eliminate the contamination source. The project is underway and is expected to be completed before the start of the school year. This legal action underscores the ongoing public health debate surrounding PFAS and its implications for drinking water safety.