THE CONTAMINATION AREA
Over the last few decades, Peterson Air Force Base has heavily employed fire fighting foams filled with PFAS chemicals. Although very effective at their job, this foam and the chemicals in it has likely led to the concerning contamination of drinking water in surrounding areas.
This class of chemicals is found virtually everywhere on the planet. Even the most remote locations are not protected from the spread of PFAS. That said, this problem is not insurmountable. In spite of all the challenges ahead, it is essential that we continue to educate ourselves about PFAS and take any action possible to remedy this growing crisis.
The interactive map below shows the extent of contamination within tested sites, and the need for further testing and ongoing data collection in sites that have not yet been tested.
A cross section of the Security-Widefield aquifer and the most recent contamination PPM (parts-per-million) levels recorded.
Many members of Security, Widefield, & Fountain have been negatively affected by the PFAS contamination. Venetucci Farms (pictured right) is no exception and had to shutter their operations in 2017.
WHERE IS MY WATER COMING FROM
Click on the map to learn more
This map to the left highlights the different drinking water distribution zones for the Security, Widefield and Fountain Public Water Systems. A drinking water distribution zone is a network of pipes leading from a water tank or treatment plant that serves treated drinking water to customers. The map outlines how drinking water has been restored to customers in wake of the PFAS contamination.
Should I Buy A Filter?
There are two major types of filters that have been utilized to decontaminate PFAS from our water.
1. Carbon Activated Filters
2. Reverse Osmosis Filters
To learn more about the effectiveness of these filters, read this study.
