Watch this brief YouTube Short to understand the PFAS issue in Live Oak.

Background:
What Are PFAS and Why Are They Harmful?
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals found in various consumer products like nonstick cookware but first used after  the Korea War on war tanks. Perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS) is a specific type of PFAS. These substances are often called "forever chemicals" because they persist in the environment and human body over time. Long-term exposure to PFAS has been linked to health issues, including certain cancers, thyroid disorders, and developmental problems in children. For more detailed information, refer to the EPA's PFAS page.

Health Risks of PFAS Exposure:

• Cancer: Kidney, testicular, and prostate cancers
• Thyroid Disorders: Hormonal disruption and thyroid disease
• Liver Damage: Elevated cholesterol and liver enzyme levels
• Immune System Issues: Reduced vaccine efficacy and autoimmune disorders
• Pregnancy Risks: Hypertension, preeclampsia, and low birth weight
• Developmental Delays: Behavioral changes and accelerated puberty in children
• Fertility Problems: Infertility and reproductive issues
  • (Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention & U.S. Environmental Protection Agency)

These health risks make it clear that we must act immediately to protect our families and our community and we demand immediate and decisive action. Inaction is not an option when the well-being of our community is at stake.

Community Impact:

The Situation in Live Oak
PFAS contamination has been detected in Well 2A in City of Live Oak's Public Water System, exceeding the EPA’s notification levels. While this discovery does not yet require immediate action under federal & state guidelines, it signals a critical need for proactive measures to safeguard our water supply. PFAS, including PFHxS, are bio-persistent & bio-accumulative in the environment and our bodies, leading to cumulative health risks. It’s time for our community to take action and demand accountability from our leaders.

Our Demands:

Live Oak Rate-Payer's Demands
We call on the Live Oak City Council to take the following urgent actions:

1. Immediate water replacement/treatment:
   1. Shut down all affected wells and replace them with safe, alternative water sources.
2. Comprehensive investigation of PFAS contamination:
   1. Determining the extent of PFAS contamination in all wells and groundwater sources.
   2. Identifying potential sources of PFAS contamination.
   3. Evaluating remediation options to address PFAS contamination effectively.
   4. Conduct daily voluntary water testing from all wells to ensure ongoing safety.
3. Development and implementation of a remedial action plan:
   1. Completing a remedial action plan that outlines specific steps for addressing PFAS contamination.
   2. Implementing interim remedial actions to mitigate PFAS contamination while the long-term plan is being developed.
   3. Perform a comprehensive water protection assessment study to prevent future contamination.
4. Establishment of a long-term monitoring and remediation plan:
   1. Continuous monitoring of groundwater and treatment systems to ensure the safety of the water supply.
   2. Regular testing of all wells for PFAS contamination, with increased frequency for wells with detected contamination.
   3. Implementing a long-term remediation plan to address PFAS contamination in the groundwater and ensure its continued safety. 
5. Construction of a new water purification plant:
   1. Building a state-of-the-art Reverse Osmosis/Nanofiltration Drinking Water Treatment  plant with advanced treatment technology to remove PFAS and other contaminants.
   2. Establishing standby wells to ensure a redundant water supply in case of future contamination events.
6. Transparent public outreach and communication:
   1. Regularly updating the public on the status of PFAS contamination and the actions being taken to address it.
   2. Providing clear and accessible information about PFAS contamination and its potential health impacts.
   3. Creating opportunities for public participation and input in the decision-making process related to PFAS contamination. 

Call to Action:

How You Can Help

• Sign the Petition:
  • Add your name to demand safe, clean water for Live Oak. Together, we can hold our leaders accountable and push for immediate action.
• Attend the Live Oak City Council Meeting:
  • When: Wednesday, December 4th, at 6 PM
  • Where: Live Oak City Hall (9955 Live Oak Blvd, Live Oak, CA 95953)
  • Why: Join the Fight for Clean Water!

Why This Matters to Me
My name is Cruz Mora, and I am a lifelong resident of Live Oak. I’ve run four campaigns for the city council, and in three of them, I’ve earned the runner-up position. My roots in this community run deep—this is where I bought my first home at 22, where I received mentorship from local leaders, and where I’ve dedicated countless hours to community service.

This issue is personal. I worry about the long-term health effects on my family and yours. Our children and grandchildren deserve clean, safe water. I am committed to ensuring that Live Oak’s water supply meets the highest safety and reliability standards.

Additional Resources
For more information, check out:

1. ActionNews Now YouTube Video: “PFAS Contamination in Live Oak’s Drinking Water Supply”
2. Action News Report: “Live Oak Residents Demand Action on PFAS Contamination”
3. Gridley Herald Article: “PFAS Contamination in Live Oak’s Drinking Water Supply: A Growing Concern”
4. For EPA videos of PFAS sources and health effects, see this EPA playlist .