The same manmade ‘forever chemicals’ that stalled development at Vista Field for months have again been detected in the city of Kennewick’s drinking water. 

June water samples from one of the city’s water collectors in Columbia Park indicated that the running annual average for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, at 10.5/16.0 parts per trillion, according to a release. That exceeds the new state maximum of 4.0/10 parts per trillion that went into effect in January. 

The city also detected levels above the state action levels in March 2024 and March 2025. 

The city is working with an engineering firm to design a $33 million water treatment facility and has received a $15 million state grant toward funding that future project. In the meantime, the state Department of Health recommends anyone who is pregnant, breastfeeding or using tap water to mix infant formula to find an alternative source of drinking water. 

PFAS are a type of synthetic chemical used around the world since the mid-20th century. They have been found in everyday consumer items like nonstick cookware, water- and stain-resistant products, grease-resistant food packaging, and industrial items like firefighting foam and deicing chemicals. 

State officials recently cleared the Port of Kennewick’s Vista Field development of PFAS last week after they were found there as part of routine testing last summer. The discovery had forced the port to stall development until further testing and remediation could be completed.