Montgomery County restricts stream access after detecting PFAS in North Potomac | The Locally Times
The county offers free well testing for residents within one mile of Great Seneca Highway and Key West Avenue.
## Health Advisory Montgomery County officials issued a health advisory for a stream and stormwater pond near the intersection of Great Seneca Highway and Key West Avenue in North Potomac. The Maryland Department of the Environment identified perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, during environmental testing. The county prohibits public contact with the water in these specific areas until further notice. WSSC Water, the public utility providing water and sewer services to the region, confirmed the public drinking water supply meets federal standards. The advisory applies only to the identified stream and pond. ## Private Well Testing The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection offers free PFAS testing to private well owners within a one-mile radius of the sampling sites. This testing determines if the chemicals reached groundwater sources not connected to the municipal system. The county has not released a map or list of addresses within this one-mile zone. Residents must contact the department to verify eligibility and coordinate sample collection. ## Community Meeting The county scheduled a public meeting for 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 17, at DuFief Elementary School, 15001 DuFief Drive. The meeting covers the scope of the advisory and future environmental remediation. An interagency task force coordinates the investigation to identify the source of the PFAS. The county has not provided a schedule for additional groundwater and soil testing or a start date for remediation. ## Investigation Status The county has not disclosed the specific concentration levels detected in the stream or the expected duration of the advisory. The presence of PFAS in the environment may require future public expenditures for cleanup and legal actions. The county has not provided a response regarding the specific source of the chemicals or the identity of the manufacturers as of July 16. ## Key Questions **Is my tap water safe to drink?** WSSC Water confirms that all publicly supplied water meets federal drinking water standards and remains safe for consumption. **How do I get my private well tested?** The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection offers free PFAS testing to private well owners within one mile of the contamination site; residents should contact the department to coordinate testing. **When is the public meeting?** The meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 17, at DuFief Elementary School.