WASHINGTON, D.C. (Nexstar) – Reports of contaminated water at military bases is raising concerns about the safety of servicemembers and their families.
Defense officials say firefighting foam used on military bases leaked into water systems.
That caused potentially harmful levels of compounds linked to cancer and other health issues.
Lucian Niemeyer, a spokesperson for DoD environmental issues, said the agency is working to fix the water problem.
Pentagon officials said the drinking water issues have been addressed and they are now working with members of Congress on making sure the groundwater is safe.
"We want all our military members to be protected," Rep. Walter Jones, R-North Carolina, said.
He wants to focus on long-term solutions, not temporary changes.
Federal officials will continue to monitor water levels to determine if they meet safety standards.
Pentagon officials said they are still assessing the cost but they plan to shift money from other defense programs to help clean up the contaminated water sites.
Sheppard Air Force Base and Fort Sill aren’t on the list of installations with contaminated water, but 11 of 12 wells at Altus Air Force Base tested positive for the presence of perfluorinated compounds.