The City of Penticton is joining the Province’s national class-action lawsuit to hold manufacturers of “forever chemicals” accountable for the contamination of drinking-water systems.

Municipalities are on the front lines of managing drinking and wastewater services, and they are dealing directly with the impacts of these chemicals in their communities. By joining the class action, the City of Penticton will represent municipalities, and help ensure the experience and evidence of local governments is included as the case moves forward.

“Municipalities are managing the real impacts of these chemicals every day,” said Niki Sharma, Attorney General. “By working with the City of Penticton, we are strengthening this class action and making sure companies that created and profited from chemicals that are affecting our water systems are held accountable.”

By testing and monitoring water systems, Penticton has been a national leader in protecting its residents and visitors from perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as forever chemicals. The city also plays a leading role in co-ordinating municipalities as they work to mitigate the impact of these chemicals. By joining B.C.’s class action, the city will help demonstrate how these chemicals are affecting communities throughout the province.

What are forever chemicals?

PFAS are a group of human-made chemicals used in products such non-stick cookware, cleaning supplies, safety gear and water-resistant materials. They are often called forever chemicals because they don’t break down easily and can remain in the environment for decades. PFAS also accumulate in the human body, and at certain levels can cause several severe health effects.

“Penticton is taking a proactive and responsible approach to protect our drinking water, now and into the future,” said Mayor Julius Bloomfield. “Our water is safe, but the ongoing costs of monitoring and mitigating these forever chemicals is significant. By joining this action, we are helping ensure municipalities are not left to manage the long-term costs of these contaminants on their own.”

Growing scientific evidence has shown that PFAS chemicals are linked to serious health problems, including certain cancers, thyroid problems, a weakened immune system, reproductive issues and developmental problems in children.

The city will continue to ensure the water in Penticton is clean and safe, and will support the Province in holding PFAS manufacturers responsible for the cost of keeping it that way.