The village of Bridgeport is in a state of financial emergency and reportedly owes more than $90,000 to the Ohio Water Development Authority and the Ohio Public Works Commission. T-L Photo/ ROBERT DEFRANK

The village of Bridgeport is providing water to residents today as officials work to remove a high level of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances.

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, since February, has tested 300 public water systems for PFAS. According to the OEPA,the testing did not detect PFAS in 286 facilities; however, the village of Bridgeport tested positive for elevated levels of the PFAS chemical PFNA.

Bridgeport uses five production wells to produce drinking water for its 2,800 residents. Bridgeport was notified of PFAS test results on July 16, 2020. The analysis of PFNA found levels at 21.8 parts per trillion (ppt), which is above the Ohio EPA action level of 21 ppt. Levels of three other PFAS compounds were detected below the action level.

During testing conducted on July 13, each of Bridgeport’s 5 wells were individually tested and three out of its five production wells did not have PFNA detected. Bridgeport modified its pumping on July 16 to pull water from the three clean wells. This action is expected to reduce PFAS levels to below the action level.

Bridgeport has an interconnection with Martins Ferry, which has received non-detect results for PFAS compounds. Bridgeport is working with Martins Ferry to potentially activate this connection to supply water to the village until a long-term solution is in place.

Village leaders said they have been flushing lines and plan to flush hydrants this week to help remove the chemical.

Ohio EPA, the Ohio Department of Health, and the Belmont County Public Health Department are collaborating to ensure that public water systems and private well owners in the area have information about PFAS, water testing, and treatment. Full testing results for public water systems can be found at pfas.ohio.gov. The website also includes general information on the treatment and health effects of PFAS.