So-called “forever chemicals” have turned up in watersheds all across New Mexico, according to recent studies by state environmental officials and the USGS (U.S. Geological Survey).
The USGS detailed its findings on April 10. On the same day, the EPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) announced first-of-their-kind limits on environmentally permissible levels of several common sorts of polyfluoroalkyl and perfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS. These are chemicals—such as Teflon—used in non-stick pans, as waterproofing for clothing, in firefighting foam, and in dozens of other common applications. PFAS have been reliably linked to many health problems—including several cancers—in humans. They’re sometimes called “forever chemicals,” because they persist indefinitely in the human bloodstream and they don’t degrade in the environment.
The New Mexico studies found PFAS present in all of the arid state’s major rivers. The highest concentrations were found downstream of urban areas. USGS research revealed that the Rio Grande downstream from Albuquerque—the largest population center in New Mexico—harbored PFAS levels ten times that found upstream of the city.
The study was commissioned after PFAS contamination turned up on military installations in the state Groundwater wells and surface water sites alike were sampled during the initial statewide study, which was began in August 2020 and concluded in October 2021. Officials revealed that, unlike surface water in the study, the majority of sampled wells did not test positive for PFAS.
Andy Jochems of the water protection team at the New Mexico Environmental Department said that the findings will be used to inform regulators as they decide on measures aimed at protecting the state’s drinking water.
The studies’ lead author Kimberly Beisner, a hydrologist with the USGS, said that the findings shed light on the complex way that urban chemicals effect the river systems surrounding major cities. Concentrations in urban areas, she said, constantly change due to runoff and wastewater discharges. Changes in water treatment are likely to follow.