Kennewick Plans Water Treatment for PFAS Contamination

The city secures $15 million in funding to address elevated PFAS levels at the Ranney Collector 5 water source.

Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Utilities

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of industrial water filtration infrastructure, representing the municipal effort to address chemical contamination in drinking water. — The city of Kennewick has secured $15 million in funding to construct a new PFAS water treatment system for the Ranney Collector 5 source. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you trust the safety of your local tap water supply?

Kennewick is moving to construct a new PFAS treatment system after water testing on September 3, 2026, revealed chemical levels exceeding state action limits. The city will implement public notifications as it works to meet federal drinking water standards.

Why it matters

The elevated chemical concentrations in the Ranney Collector 5 source conflict with revised Washington state drinking water regulations established in early 2026. Addressing these findings is essential to ensuring local compliance with federal safety mandates by the 2029 deadline.

The city received a $15 million award to fund the design and construction of the treatment facility. Annual average concentrations for PFAS compounds currently exceed state limits by 6.7 and 3.4 parts per trillion respectively.

The players

City of Kennewick

The local municipal government is responsible for managing the water utility system and overseeing public health safety measures.

Hazen and Sawyer

This environmental engineering firm specializes in water and wastewater treatment design and infrastructure projects.

Washington Department of Health

The state agency regulates drinking water safety and establishes health-based action levels for chemical contaminants.

The details

Kennewick has contracted the firm Hazen and Sawyer to lead the design of the necessary filtration infrastructure. Residents will receive periodic updates regarding water quality as the city progresses toward the April 2029 federal compliance date.

January 2026 saw the Washington Department of Health lower state action levels for PFAS chemicals.
September 3, 2026, marked the date water samples were collected from the facility.
April 2029 serves as the federal compliance deadline for PFAS treatment systems.

Market Landscape

The move reflects a broader industry shift as municipalities nationwide accelerate infrastructure upgrades to align with the federal compliance deadline for PFAS treatment in April 2029. Kennewick is positioning its utility operations to meet these tightening standards ahead of the required transition.

The city plans to issue quarterly public notices regarding water quality until the new system is fully operational. These measures ensure that the local community remains informed about the safety and status of their drinking water supply throughout the construction process.

The takeaway

Proactive investment in water treatment technology is a necessary step for cities navigating stricter environmental regulations. Residents should continue to monitor city communications for status updates on the project until federal standards are met.