NMED News:
SANTA FE — The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) is offering free private well water testing and private water well filters to residents of La Cieneguilla and La Cienega impacted by PFAS after a recent report identified a widespread plume of these toxic chemicals in the communities’ groundwater.
The PFAS groundwater plume was recently discovered west of the Santa Fe Regional Airport. A report by research firm INTERA found that one in three parcels in La Cieneguilla and La Cienega showed PFAS contamination in the underlying groundwater, with 169 parcels showing contamination above Environmental Protection Agency drinking water standards. Total PFAS levels were found to be as high as 800 parts per trillion, which is over 200 times the federal drinking water standard of 4 parts per trillion set for PFOS and PFOA.
Residents interested in these free services should contact Andrew Hautzinger, Water Protection Division Special Projects Coordinator, at andrew.hautzinger@env.nm.gov or 505.469.9064.
TLC Plumbing, recently contracted by NMED, will install the home water filters free of charge for participating residents.
“From funding the study that identified the PFAS problem to offering solutions through home filtrations systems for impacted residents – the Environment Department is helping the communities of La Cieneguilla and La Cienega,” said Environment Department Secretary James Kenney. “If your private well water exceeds PFAS drinking water standards, installing a filter in your home is the best way for residents to protect themselves from these chemicals, which can lead to health issues.”
“TLC is pleased to partner with the New Mexico Environment Department to address the urgent health threats New Mexico residents face from PFAS-contaminated water,” said TLC Plumbing CEO and Founder Dale Armstrong.
“I am especially gratified that the legislature could provide funding and support for my constituents in the La Cienega communities after they learned about PFAS contamination of their wells,” Sen. Liz Stefanics said.
“Like all New Mexicans, the La Cieneguilla and La Cienega communities deserve reliable and safe drinking water,” Rep. Christine Chandler said. “As we look for permanent long-term solutions to PFAS contamination, we will support communities through supplying water filters to interested community members.”
“Environmental justice has long been a concern for La Cieneguilla and surrounding area residents and now our highest priority is to assure that households and agriculture can return to having clean and healthy water,” said Santa Fe County Commissioner Camilla Bustamante. “I am grateful that Secretary Kenney has assured support in holding the sources of this contamination accountable. Be assured that together we will identify the most effective long-term strategies to return and protect the quality of our waters.”
To assist residents, NMED will host an open house at the La Cienega Community Center — 136 Camino San Jose in Santa Fe — from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 15, Staff will be on site to help residents sign up for free private well testing and filters. NMED will also attend the La Cieneguilla–La Cienega PFAS Task Force meeting on Thursday, Nov. 20, where residents can again register for private well testing and filter installation in person.
NMED continues to investigate the source of the PFAS contamination and the responsible parties while evaluating the technical options for long-term cleanup of the groundwater. For more information on PFAS in New Mexico, visit www.env.nm.gov/pfas or www.santafecountynm.gov/public-works/pfas.