LUKE AFB, AZ (3TV/CBS 5) – The U.S. Air Force has installed a facility designed to filter out chemicals found in water wells near Luke Air Force Base. Those wells are operated by Valley Utilities Water Company.
Luke was one of four military installations that had known per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) impacts on area groundwater. In late April, Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey sent a letter to the secretary of defense to deal with the issue.
PFAS are chemicals with fire-retardant properties that have been used various industries since 1940. PFAS can migrate into soil, water, and air during the manufacturing process and use of products containing PFAS, but the chemicals do not break down. Most industries have been phasing out the use of PFAS since the early 2000s due to its carcinogens. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the substances have been linked to several illnesses, including some types of cancer, and high cholesterol.
While the problem was discovered about six months ago, it's not clear how long people living on Luke AFB had been drinking and using contaminated water.Â
Luke AFB will start notifying customers of Valley Utilities Water Company that it is safe to drink their tap water. Those receiving bottled water will get information on ending the service unless they want to continue at their own cost.
What Luke AFB posted to Twitter Wednesday morning
