Delta detects 'forever chemicals' in groundwater; two wells offline pending protection plan

Delta has taken two groundwater production wells offline as a precautionary measure after detecting PFAS — per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, often called "forever chemicals" — in testing conducted last year.

The city began proactively testing its Watershed Park groundwater source for PFAS in 2025, beyond what provincial regulations currently require. When testing detected the presence of PFAS, Delta consulted with Fraser Health and took one well offline in August 2025 and the second in June 2026. Both will remain offline while the city develops an Aquifer Protection Plan to provide a long-term strategy to mitigate and protect the groundwater source.

Meanwhile, the fountain in Watershed Park will be supplied by Metro Vancouver water. Based on 2025 testing results, Delta's drinking water met all provincial requirements, with all samples testing negative for E. coli and total coliforms. The city conducted approximately 1,266 water sample tests from the drinking water distribution system, obtained from 33 sampling stations distributed across the municipality.

According to Health Canada, PFAS are man-made chemicals used in many consumer and industrial products. They make their way into the environment from industrial processes and products like certain cosmetics, furniture and electronics. Because PFAS are widely used and stay in the environment, people are exposed to multiple PFAS every day. Health Canada notes that PFAS may affect the liver, kidney and thyroid, as well as bodyweight and metabolism, the immune and nervous systems, and the development and reproductive system.