NMED News:

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, 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.