To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) – 126 military bases across the country have dangerous chemicals in their drinking water.
Two of those bases are in Wisconsin, both General Mitchell Air Reserve Station in Milwaukee and Ft. McCoy in Western Wisconsin.
The military started using the foam back in the 1970’s, but it wasn’t until 2000 that the EPA started looking at the danger, and it was 2009 before the military took notice.
The dangerous levels of PFOS and PFOA were found in five of the six wells tested at Mitchell, with some wells testing far above the EPA standards for safety.
But the problem stretches outside military bases as well.
The Pentagon found groundwater contamination and 564 wells that were not on bases across the country.
The testing done at Mitchell was limited to six wells on base.
The 128th Air Refueling Wing stationed at Mitchell was not able to talk on camera Friday.
The Air Force says they are trying to fix the problem, including adding filters and in some cases, giving bottled water to people who live on the base.
If you live near the base and have any questions you can visit an informational webpage set up by the Air Force Civil Engineers Center.