Environment Department testing for PFAS in in Private Groundwater Wells across New Mexico
SANTA FE – The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) will test private domestic wells for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) across New Mexico in April and May 2023.
One or more groundwater wells can be sampled at no cost to the well owners. Limited sampling will be conducted on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to those counties impacted by last summer’s fires. Private well owners in Curry, Lincoln, Mora, and Roosevelt counties especially are encouraged to sign up by April 21, 2023, by completing a short survey at this link or calling 505-205-6964.
PFAS are a group of synthetic chemicals used in a variety of products, including food packaging, non-stick cookware, and certain types of fire-fighting materials. PFAS are known as “forever” chemicals because they do not easily degrade in the environment due to their chemical properties. Thus, PFAS can accumulate over time in soil, water, and living organisms and are found in water sources around the world.
Growing evidence suggests exposure to some PFAS chemicals can lead to 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 would not be subject to these levels if finalized.
NMED is conducting the sampling effort with the support of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Using the best available analytical methods, the sampling program will test for 28 different PFAS compounds, including PFOA and PFOS, the two most widely known PFAS chemicals. NMED will provide well owners with their results following analysis by certified laboratories and data quality review by NMED and USGS specialists.
More information on PFAS is available on the NMED PFAS information page here.
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NMED does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, age or sex in the administration of its programs or activities, as required by applicable laws and regulations. NMED is responsible for coordination of compliance efforts and receipt of inquiries concerning non-discrimination requirements implemented by 40 C.F.R. Parts 5 and 7, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and Section 13 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972. If you have any questions about this notice or any of NMED’s non-discrimination programs, policies or procedures, you may contact: Kathryn Becker, Non-Discrimination Coordinator | NMED |1190 St. Francis Dr., Suite N4050 | P.O. Box 5469 | Santa Fe, NM 87502 or (505) 827-2855 or nd.coordinator@env.nm.gov. If you believe that you have been discriminated against with respect to a NMED program or activity, you may contact the Non-Discrimination Coordinator.
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