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ADEQ issues fish consumption advisory related to PFAS for largemouth bass at Watson Lake

A fish under water
mauinow1
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A largemouth bass

The state has issued an advisory for consuming fish at Watson Lake near Prescott.

Tests found high concentrations of PFAS, also known as forever chemicals.

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality issued a “red light” advisory, meaning do not eat, for largemouth bass in the Yavapai County lake.

A tissue analysis found heightened levels of a specific type of PFAS in the fish, which are linked to negative health outcomes, including certain cancers.

Studies have found that largemouth bass are particularly susceptible to accumulation of PFAS.

ADEQ says the advisory does not apply to other recreational activities at Watson Lake.

It’s the first advisory related to PFAS in fish from the agency, which is also monitoring other lakes across the state.

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Greg Hahne started as a news intern at KJZZ in 2020 and returned as a field correspondent in 2021. He learned his love for radio by joining Arizona State University's Blaze Radio, where he worked on the production team.