Cannon AFB water contamination on tap in Friday night meeting

Now, PFAS’s have been found in the groundwater below Cannon Air Force Base—and in wells that were tested off-base.
And so, too, do health impacts from exposure to the chemicals.
And in off-base wells, including those that supply drinking water to dairies, they detected levels ranging from 25 to 1,600 nanograms per liter.
In response to the investigation’s results, in late September the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) requested that the Air Force expand testing, re-sample wells on the base and provide alternative drinking water to people whose wells are contaminated.
Then, on October 16, NMED, the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) and the New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA) announced to the larger public that the Air Force had informed them of contaminated wells on and off the base.
In their announcement, the three state agencies said that until further testing confirms otherwise, all residents and businesses with private wells within a four-mile radius of the entire Cannon Air Force Base property should use bottled water.
There are more than 150 dairies in New Mexico, most of which are in southeastern New Mexico.
That means the Air Force must report all its test results to the state.
“Residents deserve an action plan that puts the health and safety of the community first.” He said he’ll continue working with his congressional colleagues to get answers from the Defense Department and Cannon Air Force Base officials, “to ensure that we have a complete assessment of the impact of the contaminated water sources.” Luján added that his office will continue offering assistance to local governments.
Groundwater is an important resource in New Mexico, particularly in eastern New Mexico where Roosevelt and Curry counties rely entirely on groundwater for drinking water, irrigation and municipal and industrial supplies.

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