Water district says it intends to sue over chemicals found in Edmonds schools stormwater system

The Olympic View Water and Sewer District has issued a letter of intent to sue the Edmonds School District over PFAS contamination discovered in the stormwater system at Madrona K-8 School. Citing the Safe Drinking Water Act, the water district claims the school district has failed to address the issue since it was identified in October 2022. In response, Edmonds School District spokesperson Cutis Campbell stated they are adhering to Washington Department of Ecology guidelines and that no drinking water sources have been impacted. The school district plans to take corrective actions this summer, including the removal of the contamination source. Campbell also noted that they have been actively sampling the site under state supervision and maintaining communication with the water district.

The dispute underscores the complexities of stormwater management in the region. Additionally, the school district has engaged a third-party consultant for further testing and remediation efforts. The outcome of this legal dispute could have significant implications for both districts and local water quality standards.