The U.S. Air Force is providing bottled water to some homeowners and businesses located east of Luke Air Force Base.
Sampling by the Air Force Civil Engineer Center and Valley Utilities Water Company showed potentially harmful levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in local drinking water.
The substances — perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) — help create protective coatings, useful in everything from stain-resistant carpet and nonstick cookware to a foam to fight fuel fires at Air Force bases.
Scientists call them "forever chemicals" because they linger in the environment and build up in humans, fish and wildlife.
The EPA does not regulate them but has established a safety threshold of of 70 parts per trillion based on animal studies, which link higher exposures to fetal development issues, liver damage and cancers.
The Air Force has sent letters to those affected and plans to have a filtration system up and running in April.
Meanwhile, bottled water is available for pick up until March 22.
The bottled water distribution center is located at 7011 N. El Mirage Road, Glendale, AZ 85307 and is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays, and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays. Eligible parties should bring their notification letter or water bill, along with a photo ID.
For additional information, residents can contact a hotline at 844-610-8899.
