This September was RE Sources’ third year testing for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the Bellingham Bay and Squalicum Creek watersheds. PFAS are a group of human-made chemicals that are near impossible to break down. Known for their water and stain resistance, and non-stick properties, PFAS can be found in kitchenware, plastic bags, make-up, waterproof rain gear, and many more every-day products.
Even in just the last year, more evidence has been added to the growing body of research proving PFAS’s harm to human and wildlife. PFAS exposure, especially in adolescents, can lead to kidney disease, behavioral difficulties, hormone disruption and more. Similarly, researchers are finding nervous and endocrine system impacts in wildlife who have been exposed to PFAS. We began this whole process after being notified about an unusual amount of foam—a potential PFAS indicator—in Squalicum Creek at Cornwall park in 2022.
Last year’s sampling efforts showed “expected” levels of PFAS (less than 50 parts per trillion (ppt)) at the majority of our sampling sites. However, we had four sites in the Squalicum Creek Watershed that had exceedingly high levels of PFAS. Our highest level of total PFAS was found just downstream of Hannegan Road, at 393.3 ppt.
We shared our 2024 PFAS results with the Department of Ecology who knew of two potential facilities that could be point sources for these high PFAS levels. The first was a fire fighting training facility that self-reported the discharge of PFAS-containing aqueous fire fighting foam (AFFF) into the creek. The second was a truck wash station that discharged wastewater into the creek on multiple occasions—detergents and waxes are a common source of PFAS.
With this information in mind, we added sites upstream of our highest 2024 detection site for this round of testing. One site was situated directly upstream and another directly downstream of the fire station. If results showed higher levels of PFAS downstream of the fire station, it would indicate that this may be a point source for PFAS.
Our 2025 results were interesting as they show a higher median value of PFAS than in 2024 and in 2023. In fact, the median value for total PFAS detected has increased by 77% since 2023. The max amounts of PFAS detected this year were from Cedar Outfall (119.2 ppt) and Squalicum Creek at Bakerview Rd (107.4 ppt) which are both considerably lower than the max value found in 2023; the sample from Squalicum Creek at Hannegan Rd (398.3 ppt).
If the source of the PFAS was the fire fighting training facility, we’d expect the highest PFAS counts to be directly downstream of the fire station. This was not the case, however. While the site below the fire station had 3.9 ppt more PFAS than the site above the station, both above and below the fire station values were low (12.3 ppt and 16.2 ppt respectively).
Overall, there were still higher detections of PFAS in Squalicum Creek than in the other areas tested. Squalicum Creek has had measurable elevated PFAS levels since first detected in 2022. This leads us to believe that there is one, or more, point sources discharging PFAS into the creek. Because of our findings, the Department of Ecology has added Squalicum creek to their statewide PFAS study; they tested the creek in August 2025 (results pending), and plan to repeat the test in Spring 2026.
Ecology will test for PFAS at 40 surface water sites across Washington state that represent a mix of different land use types (industrial, rural, urban, etc.). This data will help corroborate our findings as well as help us understand where there are high levels of PFAS on the Washington State landscape. This data will be important evidence when asking for stricter PFAS regulations.
Additionally in 2025, we tested water that drains from the Bellingham International Airport, and streams that pass through land that has had a history of biosolids applications. All of these tests came back with less than 50 ppt of total PFAS. Interestingly, we also tested the water coming from RE Sources’ kitchen sink and found that there was 2.6 ppt of PFBA. This type of PFAS is a breakdown product of other PFAS. While Washington State doesn’t regulate this chemical, the Minnesota Department of Health developed a guidance value of 7 ppb for PFBA in drinking water, nearly 1000 fold higher than what we detected. While currently deemed safe, it is still disconcerting that there is any detectable amount of PFAS in our drinking water.
We can all work to remove PFAS from our everyday lives. This holiday season, look for PFAS-free products when buying presents for loved ones (including yourself). Support the companies that are working hard to remove this toxic chemical. And, don’t let your loved ones, furry and not so furry, drink out of Squalicum Creek!
