Some solutions create
unintended consequences
Invasion of Forever Chemicals
In June 2022, the EPA revised its standards to address water contaminated with toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS.
- PFAS chemicals (“forever chemicals”) are used in many industrial compounds. One of the primary sources on military bases is aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF).
- All government departments must now test water for PFAS.
- PFAS can contaminate water sources and cause serious health issues.
- The Pentagon has found over 700 bases with dangerous levels of PFAS as of Dec 31, 2022.
Why Important to DOD Base Installations
- Service members and their families are exposed to dangerous PFAS chemicals which are linked to cancer and other illnesses.
- Lawmakers, media, and class-action lawsuits (e.g. Pearl Harbor Hickham) have put the Pentagon on the hook for billions of dollars to address PFAS.
- DOD has identified contaminated and unsafe drinking water as a top priority to address. The DOD created a PFAS Task Force to ensure compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) and Clean Water Act (CWA) programs.
Health Impact
According to the CDC, research involving humans suggests that high levels of certain PFAS may lead to the following:
Increased cholesterol levels
Changes in liver enzymes
Decreases in infant birth weights
Decreased vaccine response in children
Increased risk of high blood pressure or pre-eclampsia in pregnant women
Increased risk of kidney or testicular cancer
Richard Kidd Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Environment & Energy Resilience
PFAS Is A Top Environmental Priority For Multiple Government Agencies
Legionella
In addition to PFAS contamination, many DOD bases are also battling a bacteria found in plumbing — legionella.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, legionella can be found in fresh water environments, such as lakes and streams. The bacteria presents a problem, however, when it spreads into human-made water systems, causing Legionnaires Disease.
WaterTech produces some of the only systems on the global market certified to treat PFAS, eliminate Legionella, and and treat 82 other contaminants to deliver truly safe drinking water.
