Ecology Approves Interim Water Plan for West Plains Residents Impacted by PFAS Contamination

State agency calls the plan 'inadequate' but allows it to move forward to provide relief to residents as soon as possible.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 12:34am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A translucent, ghostly X-ray photograph revealing the complex molecular structure of PFAS compounds, conceptually illustrating the invisible yet pervasive nature of these toxic chemicals in the local water supply.An X-ray view of the molecular structure of PFAS compounds, the 'forever chemicals' that have contaminated the groundwater in Spokane's West Plains region.Spokane Today

The Washington State Department of Ecology has approved an interim plan by the City of Spokane, Spokane County, and Spokane International Airport to provide clean drinking water to West Plains residents affected by PFAS contamination from the airport's firefighting foam. However, Ecology has criticized the plan as 'inadequate,' noting that it requires residents to pick up water from a public fill station rather than delivering bottled water directly to homes, which could negatively impact vulnerable populations. The local governments argue the water fill station is a 'rapidly deployable' interim solution until long-term filtration systems can be installed.

Why it matters

PFAS, known as 'forever chemicals,' are a set of human-made compounds linked to serious health issues including cancer, heart disease, and thyroid problems. The contamination of groundwater near Spokane International Airport has exposed nearby residents to these dangerous chemicals, prompting the state to order the local governments to provide clean drinking water. The interim plan approved by Ecology is a stopgap measure, but the agency has significant concerns about its ability to adequately protect vulnerable residents.

The details

Under the approved plan, West Plains residents will be able to access a free water fill station located at 4821 West Garden Springs Road within 30 days. Residents will need to sign up for access and will be provided with two free, food-grade 5-gallon containers. The plan also includes continued well water testing and the provision of free point-of-use water filters for affected homes and businesses. However, Ecology has stated that the use of these filters would be 'inadequate for larger households.' The local governments argue this interim plan is a 'bridge' towards the installation of more comprehensive point-of-entry filtration systems, which will be funded by a $7.5 million state grant and implemented by June 2027.

  • The state Department of Ecology ordered the City of Spokane, Spokane County and Spokane International Airport to provide uncontaminated drinking water to affected residents in February 2026.
  • The local governments submitted a revised plan to Ecology on April 3, 2026.
  • Ecology approved the interim plan on April 16, 2026, stating it was doing so 'in the interest of providing relief to impacted residents as soon as possible.'

The players

Washington State Department of Ecology

The state agency that regulates environmental protection and is overseeing the response to the PFAS contamination in the West Plains area.

City of Spokane

One of the local governments jointly responsible for the Spokane International Airport, where the PFAS contamination originated.

Spokane County

The other local government jointly responsible for the Spokane International Airport.

Spokane International Airport

The airport whose use of PFAS-containing firefighting foam led to the contamination of nearby groundwater.

John Hancock

The president of the West Plains Water Coalition, a group representing residents affected by the PFAS contamination.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Several components of the work proposed continue to be inadequate and may not meet bare minimum emergency interim action response requirements.”

— Jeremy Schmidt, Ecology site manager

“The airport is trying to comply without admitting fault. It is hard to discern if they are sincere in efforts to help the neighbors.”

— John Hancock, President, West Plains Water Coalition

What’s next

The local governments must implement the interim water access plan within 30 days, providing residents with free access to the water fill station. Ecology will continue to monitor the situation and work with the local entities to develop a more comprehensive long-term solution, including the installation of point-of-entry filtration systems by June 2027.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges communities face in addressing the widespread contamination of groundwater by PFAS chemicals. While the interim water access plan provides some relief to affected residents, Ecology's concerns about its adequacy underscore the need for more robust and equitable solutions to protect vulnerable populations from the health risks posed by these 'forever chemicals.'