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The presence of toxic PFAS chemicals in drinking water supplies near military bases has become an environmental crisis that cannot be ignored. PFAS are also known to be highly persistent in the environment and are difficult to clean up. Several military bases have been found to have PFAS contamination in their drinking water.

PFAS, PFOA, and PFOS are known as ‘forever chemicals’ which contaminate water supplies near military bases.  These forever chemicals, which include perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, have permeated drinking water supplies across multiple states, heightening hazardous levels and potentially putting the health of 400 US military installations and over 100,000 servicemembers at risk. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has reported on the known PFAS contamination at these sites, revealing a spiraled contamination crisis that is only getting worse. Even more concerning is the suspected contamination that still needs to be tested. PFAS chemicals are posing a significant threat to public health. As such, it is imperative for immediate action to be taken to address this issue before it becomes even more widespread and harmful.

Toxic chemicals known as polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have contaminated many sites near military bases across the United States. These chemicals are often found in firefighting foam used to extinguish petroleum-based fires and can contaminate groundwater and soil. At least 385 military installations have discovered high levels of PFAS, according to an environmental group. The Environmental Protection Agency has discovered levels of PFAS in hundreds of communities nationwide, affecting thousands of people. Defense documents suggest that the military has known about this issue for decades but failed to take appropriate action. The government must take appropriate measures to prevent further contamination of areas near military bases by these toxic substances and ensure that they are held accountable for their actions.

PFAS, PFOA, and PFOS have been linked to a variety of health problems including cancer, thyroid disease, and developmental issues in children. Nearby farmers who rely on water for irrigation may be using contaminated water which can affect the quality of their crops and put consumers at risk. Toxic plumes from firefighting foam containing PFAS have failed to contain the pollution from military bases contaminating nearby water sources. It is important that defense agencies notify nearby farmers about potential pollution stemming from PFAS contamination and take action to prevent further contamination.

The presence of PFAS, PFOA, and PFOS in drinking water near military bases has been a cause of concern for many years. Recently, the Defense Department conducted several water tests to identify the level of contamination in areas surrounding military bases. The DOD released data about the test results as part of transparency requirements. These public findings showed that over 300 military installations across the country had contaminated water supplies with PFAS substances. Section 345 testing was also included in the annual defense policy bill, which required military officials to disclose results and create rules for cleaning up contaminated sites.

PFAS, PFOA, and PFOS in water contamination near military bases have been exceeding federal health advice. Environmental working groups have been monitoring the situation and have found that these chemicals pose a present health threat to those living near contaminated sites. In addition to these chemicals, other related chemicals have also been found at alarming levels. Testing military bases for PFAS compounds has shown levels that exceed findings in neighboring communities. New test results reveal that there are five kinds of PFAS called PFOA, which exceed 70 parts per trillion in drinking water sources. The working group has urged immediate action to be taken by the government to address this issue as it poses a serious risk to public health.

Recently, it was revealed that widespread PFAS contamination is present in the water near military bases across the United States. Environmental protection has been a growing concern, as cleaning up contaminated installations can prove to be difficult and expensive. Records showed toxic levels of PFAS, PFOA, and PFOS in water samples near the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base in Michigan and the Willow Grove Naval Air Reserve Base in Pennsylvania. The Department records also revealed that up to 213,000 parts per trillion were found at Warminster Naval Warfare Center-Joint Reserve Base, which is now a Superfund site. An environmental group said that such contamination could have been caused by using firefighting foam containing AFFF (aqueous film-forming foam) by the Air Force on its bases nationwide.  Fort Hood has also been identified as a site with high levels of PFAS chemicals found in its drinking water supply.

The presence of PFAS, PFOA, and PFOS in water contamination near military bases has become a growing concern for public health and safety. Available water tests have revealed that these chemicals have contaminated local groundwater, which can cause serious health effects to the surrounding communities if consumed.

The US Department of Defense (DoD) has been criticized for failing to act on the contamination. In response, Congress has allocated more than $500 million for PFAS cleanup. However, many families remain in the dark about contaminated water on their local bases.

PFHpA is a chemical that forms when PFAS reacts with perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids in the environment. It can dissolve in water and travel long distances, contaminating remote fragile ecosystems. It has been detected in endangered species including polar bears and arctic foxes. PFHpA is also known to bioaccumulate in fish and may have a significant impact on human health when consumed.

EPA researchers have developed test methods to identify the presence of PFHpA and other PFAS in drinking water. They are incorporating this work into the Drinking Water Treatability Database, which helps water utilities, communities, states, and academics identify effective treatment processes for PFAS. Currently, the database includes information about 22 PFAS chemicals.

Farmers near military bases in the United States are unknowingly using contaminated water to irrigate crops and water livestock. EWG’s review of DoD data shows that 36 Army, Air Force, and Navy bases have contaminated their irrigation water with PFAS. Despite these risks, the DoD has failed to notify many nearby farmers of the contamination. This is likely in violation of federal law.

Ed Lott, Ph.D., M.B.A.
President and Managing Partner
ZeroRisk Cases®
Call 833-ZERORISK (833-937-6747) ext 5

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Pfas, Pfoa And Pfos In Water Contamination Near Military Bases

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The presence of toxic PFAS chemicals in drinking water supplies near military bases has become an environmental crisis that cannot be ignored. PFAS are also known to be highly persistent in the environment and are difficult to clean up. Several military bases have been found to have PFAS contamination in their drinking water.

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Ed Lott, Ph.D., M.B.A.

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ZeroRisk Cases, LLC

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