By now you have probably heard about the unfortunate circumstances affecting many of the residents in the Security, Widefield, and Fountain areas—that is the contaminated water situation. Back in May of this year the EPA announced that it had lowered the health advisory levels for certain perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), specifically PFOA and PFOS, to 70 parts per trillion (ppt). Previously the level had been set at 400 ppt. The advisory came due to the EPA’s concern regarding low birth weight in fetuses exposed to PFCs.
What are PFCs?
PFCs are man made chemicals that do not occur naturally in the environment, however, they are persistently found in the environment. PFOA and PFOS are particular PFCs that can be very toxic if consumed at high levels. They are both used in the manufacturing and industrial environments given their properties. They are often found in clothing, carpets, fabrics, and furniture as they are fire resistance and oil, stain, grease and water repellent.
PFOA can remain in the environment, particularly in water, for many years. When PFCs are released into the environment they often enter rivers and underground aquifers, which are used as drinking water sources. Water sources are extremely susceptible to contamination by PFOA released from manufacturing sites, fire/crash training areas, and industrial or municipal waste sites where products are disposed of or applied.
Exposure to PFOA from contaminated drinking water can occur in multiple forms including:
- oral exposure (drinking water, cooking with water, and incidental ingestion from showering);
- dermal exposure (contact of exposed parts of the body with water containing PFOA during bathing or showering, dishwashing); and
- inhalation exposure (during bathing or showering or even using a humidifier or vaporizer).
PFOA is easily absorbed after consumption or inhalation and accumulates primarily in the blood stream, kidney, and liver.
It is important to note that PFOA is not removed by heating or boiling water and can actually increase in concentration when the water is boiled.
What is Happening Here?
Water districts with 10,000 or more customers are regularly required to test water levels by the EPA. Once the advisory levels were lowered it was noted that Security, Widefield, and Fountain had elevated PCF levels. In fact, some tests revealed levels well over 1000 ppt! Two aquifers that these communities use—the Windmill Aquifer and the Widefield Aquifer—appear to be the source of the contaminated water. Many ground wells in this area derive their water from these aquifers.
At this point, it is still under investigation as to what may have caused these elevated levels. Concern for potential contamination has been linked to the Air Force with nearby Peterson Air Force Base. A recent report from the US Army Corps Engineers looks at the exposure of PFCs on Peterson, specifically, PFCs found in aqueous film foam that have been used on the base for fire training exercises. The Air Force is now replacing use of this foam to reduce possible risk of contamination.
How May Exposure Affect You?
Unfortunately, at this time researchers do not know what the long term medical outcome may be for those exposed to high rates of PFOA or PFOS. However, studies have linked certain medical problems and diseases with exposure to elevated levels of PFCs, including:
- Testicular cancer;
- Kidney cancer;
- Thyroid disease;
- High cholesterol;
- Ulcerative colitis;
- Pregnancy-induced hypertension;
- Developmental effects for fetuses;
- Liver tissue damage; and
- Immune system impairments.
Additionally, as mentioned above, the EPA is concerned about exposure and low birth weight. Human studies have shown an increased susceptibility during the time period of pregnancy and breastfeeding of PFOA transfers from mother to infant via cord blood and breast milk.
What Can You Do?
As mentioned above, you can’t boil water to get rid of PFCs; however, there are ways to limit your exposure to these chemicals. Firstly, you can purchase bottled drinking water. You can also purchase a reverse osmosis filtration system and have it installed at sink. Reverse osmosis is a process which dissolves inorganic solids and removes them from a solution (i.e. water).
Additionally, if you own a private well in the Security/Widefield/Fountain area and it has not been tested or exceeds the EPA’s health advisory, please consider other sources of water. If your private well has not been tested, free tests are available through the El Paso County Public Health Department and can be scheduled by calling the department at 719-575-8602. For more information check out the following:
- EPA Advisory Report
- Denver Post Article
- Associated Press Article
- CO Department of Public Health & Environment Press Release
For an interactive map to see if your area contains elevated levels of PFC please click here.
