PFAs and Ground Water in Airway Heights

Manufacturing and military installations or bases use chemicals in an array of their processes and equipment, from fuel to ingredients in the products produced. Unfortunately, the use of chemicals can seep into the ground, and the water supply, and expose nearby citizens to health hazards. Luckily, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as other federal government agencies conduct routine studies in these areas to limit any negative health impacts.

As is the case of PFAs and the groundwater in Airway Heights.

Understanding Airway Heights PFAS Contamination

Airway Heights is home to the Fairchild Air Force Base and when the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) and CDC are selecting exposure assessment sites (EA), they consider the extent of PFOA and PFOS contamination in drinking water. Airway Heights was one of the several sites found around the country that was identified as having PFAS drinking water contamination due to aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) that was used on the base since the 1970s; AFFF was routinely used in firefighter training and the foam worked its way into the groundwater which affected nearby municipal wells.

Is Airway Heights Water Safe to Drink?

The contaminated Airway Heights drinking water wells were pulled in May 2017 when the PFAS were detected and provided residents with bottled water until the contamination was cleared out, which occurred in June 2017. Now, the water is below the EPA’s 2016 health advisory for PFAS in drinking water and the city has reactivated some of its drinking water wells with treatment systems to continuously remove any PFAS still present. 

To determine the extent of the PFAS impact, the ATSDR collected samples and other information from participants, 333 people from 168 different households. They found that Airway Heights residents were up to 56x higher in PFAS blood levels than the national levels and were linked to past drinking water contamination. 

Water samples collected in 2019 from the EPA found the PFAS levels were below the health advisory and Washington state public health guidelines.

Risks Posed by PFAS in Airway Heights

The health risks posed by PFAS aren’t immediate, they need to build up within the human body, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have serious consequences. Long-term consequences of PFAS-contaminated water include:

• Potential Carcinogenic Effects: Long-term exposure may increase the risk of certain cancers, including kidney and testicular cancer.
• Liver Damage: PFOA and PFOS exposure have been linked to liver damage and disruption of liver function in humans and animals.
• Hormonal Disruption: These chemicals can interfere with the body’s endocrine system, potentially leading to hormonal imbalances and related health problems.
• Immune System Effects: Exposure may weaken the immune system, making people more susceptible to infections and other immune-related disorders.
• Developmental Effects: Prenatal exposure to PFOA and PFOS has been associated with damaging effects on fetal development, including low birth weight, developmental delays, and impaired immune function in infants.
• Reproductive Issues: Exposure may affect reproductive health, leading to reduced fertility, pregnancy complications, and alterations in hormone levels.
• Chronic Health Conditions: Long-term exposure to PFOA and PFOS has been linked to the development or exacerbation of chronic health conditions such as thyroid disorders, cholesterol imbalances, and metabolic syndrome.
• Neurological Effects: Some studies suggest that exposure to PFOA and PFOS may contribute to neurological disorders, including cognitive impairment and behavioral changes.

Collaborative Efforts in Tackling PFAS Contamination and Protect Airway Heights Residents

While local, state, and federal governments take action when contamination is found, it is often already entering the bodies of residents and present throughout the water supply. People can take action themselves, especially if in heavy industry areas or near military bases and other facilities that likely used PFAS before they were phased out. 

Some actions you can take to prevent PFAS in the water from impacting your health include:

• Opt for a Certified Water Filter: Make sure to install and maintain a water filter approved for removing PFOA and PFOS from your drinking water. Look for filters certified with NSF/ANSI Standard 53 or 58, specifically designed to address PFOA and PFOS.
• Test Private Wells: If your drinking water comes from a private well, consider getting it tested for PFOA and PFOS contamination. Contact your local health department or a certified laboratory for assistance with testing.
• Minimize Exposure to Contaminated Water: If you suspect your water contains PFOA or PFOS, try to avoid using it for drinking or cooking until the issue is resolved.
• Boil Water with Caution: Boiling water does not remove PFOA and PFOS and may even concentrate these contaminants. Be careful not to boil potentially contaminated water for extended periods.
• Stay Informed: Stay updated on water quality information provided by local authorities. Follow any advice or recommendations they offer to minimize exposure risks.
• Avoid Recreation in Contaminated Water: Refrain from swimming or engaging in recreational activities in water bodies known or suspected to be contaminated with PFOA or PFOS.
• Report Concerns: Notify your local water utility or environmental agency if you suspect PFOA or PFOS contamination in your water supply. Quick reporting can lead to investigation and appropriate action, as was the case for Airway Heights.

Government Intervention and Regulation

To further protect the water systems of Airways Heights, operators of the municipal water system are continuing to monitor the concentrations of PFAS in the drinking water, ensuring they remain below the EPA’s limit. 

The ATSDR held a meeting with residents of Airway Heights in 2022 to learn more about PFAS exposure and the assessment conducted, also discussing with healthcare providers PFAS information and clinician guidance to better serve the health of the community. 

For individual citizens, advocate for measures aimed at reducing pollution from sources such as factories, farms, and waste disposal sites, which can contribute to PFOA and PFOS contamination in water. Also, work to promote Cleanup Efforts and back initiatives focused on cleaning up polluted water sources and preventing further contamination. Getting involved means more testing and less exposure risk before agencies conduct routine testing.

Municipal Water Systems Response

In response to situations like what happened in Airway Heights, municipal water facilities are now ordered to perform regular PFAS testing for all public water. There have also been some alternative treatment technologies investigated, performing some pilot testing, rather than investing in costly filtration systems; although, the Defense Department has footed the bill for some filtration systems to homeowners whose private wells were contaminated at 70 parts per trillion levels. 

Unfortunately, while local water works routinely test public water systems, private wells must be tested by the owner. Some private companies and labs provide testing equipment but at a cost to the homeowner.

Individual Protective Measures

To help battle any personal exposure, the best thing a person can do is to stay informed and learn about the sources of PFAS exposure:

Testing drinking water – Washington State Department of Ecology

Questions and Answers on PFAS in Food | FDA

Water Reports – City of Airway Heights

Also, install proper water filtration systems, such as the ones H20 Solutions provide. We are committed to providing safeguards that improve the water in their homes. From EcoWater Systems in the home to SimpleLab testing kits, we are committed to cleaner water throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Explore how to stop PFOAs and PFOSs in your drinking water below.

Questions? We’re Here to Help

Navigating the maintenance and care of your EcoWater treatment system is vital to ensuring its lasting efficiency and performance. Whether it’s understanding salt maintenance, troubleshooting regeneration issues, or planning system deep cleaning, our team, as an EcoWater Systems distributor, is here to assist you every step of the way. Contact us today.