After the discovery of some ‘forever chemicals’ found in residents drinking water, the Arizona Corporation Commission began investigating. This investigation was opened shortly after the U.S. Air Force announced they had found high levels of the chemicals PFOA and PFOS near the Luke Air Force base. The level of chemicals found in the water exceeded the safety levels suggested by the EPA’s health advisory. A water inspection in 2017 previously revealed elevated levels of forever chemicals in the water surrounding Luke Air Force Base.
Forever chemicals are common in carpeting, clothing treatments, and the foam which is used to fight fires. The contamination of the water took place over an extended period of time, and was transferred to the water by the firefighting foam seeping into the soil on the air force base.
The source of the water which contained the forever chemicals was traced back to wells used by the Valley Utilities Water Company. The Arizona Corporation Commission will be holding a live, emergency meeting in order to discuss solutions regarding the contaminated water. Both the commission and the Air Force have expressed concern for the safety of the businesses and residents who were affected. Approximately 6,000 people and 3 nearby schools were in range of the water. The Air Force has been working to provide them with clean water and long-term solutions, which are expected to be complete in April.
