GRANTS, NM - According to the New Mexico Environment Department, Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl are substances that do not easily break down in the environment due to their chemical properties and have been manufactured all around the world since the 1940s.
These chemicals are used in a variety of products that include food packaging, non-stick cookware, and certain types of fire-fighting materials. Because of this, PFAS can build up over time in soil, water, and even living organisms. This has led to them being found in water sources all over the world. Exposure to some of these PFAS is suggested to have adverse health effects, such as increased cholesterol, reproductive problems, and cancer.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently proposed legally enforceable levels for six different PFAS at public water system utilities. Private wells are not subject to these levels if finalized.
Through April and May, NM Environment Department will test private domestic wells for PFAS all across New Mexico at no cost to the well owners. They will conduct the sampling effort with the U.S. Geological Survey and will be testing for 28 different PFAS compounds. Well owners will be provided with their well's test results from certified laboratories after its analysis, as well as a data quality review done by NMED and USGS specialists.
The NMED has said sampling will happen on a first-come, first-served basis with priority given to New Mexico's counties that were impacted by the fires that occurred last summer.
Well owners can sign up or find out more information by calling 505205-6964. Sign up must be done no later than April 21, 2023.