Proposed State Bill Would Require PFAS Monitoring

Forever chemicals, also known as per and poly fluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS have been identified in water supplies across the country. They are long-lasting chemicals found in a number of everyday products. These PFAS compounds find their way into soil, air, and water.

A prefiled bill with the Alaska State Legislature that may be addressed this session would require testing of all public drinking water systems, which would include Talkeetna and Trapper Creek.

According to Mat-Su Borough Utilities and Facilities Supervisor Amanda Fleming, the State Department of Environmental Conservation has been testing public water systems in anticipation of regulations. There are currently no regulations around PFAS for public water systems in Alaska.

Fleming says Talkeetna’s public water supply was first tested in 2023 and no PFAS was detected. In 2025, the PFAS detected in Talkeetna was well below the reporting limit. Trapper Creek’s water point also was tested in 2025 and no PFAS was detected.

(READ MORE - ktna.org)