Two statewide studies released findings that PFAS — which stands for poly-fluoroalkyl substances — chemicals have been detected in groundwater and surface water resources across New Mexico. The study, conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) found urban areas — like Albuquerque — are the most significant contributor.
After discovering that populated areas contribute the highest PFAS levels to surface water statewide, a follow-up USGS study was conducted to examine the water quality in the Rio Grande as it flows through Albuquerque. In the second recently published article, scientists found an increase of PFAS in the Rio Grande as it flows through the Albuquerque urban area.
PFAS are almost impossible to avoid. They are found in our homes, our offices, our supermarkets — practically everywhere.
Frequently called “forever chemicals,” PFAS are a group of synthetic chemicals used in a wide variety of consumer goods, such as firefighting foams, nonstick cookware and fast-food packaging. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, studies have found that PFAS may have significant health risks. These chemicals are found in many water sources around the country and can stay in the environment for a long time, hence “forever,” making them a top water-quality concern.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, PFAS have now been linked to a wide range of health risks in both human and animal studies — including cancer (kidney and testicular), hormone disruption, liver and thyroid problems, interference with vaccine effectiveness, reproductive harm and abnormal fetal development.
The initial statewide study sampled 117 groundwater wells and 18 surface water sites across the state between August 2020 and October 2021. Of the 117 sites tested, 27 were found to have PFAS, though no results exceeded the EPA’s 2016 health advisory limit of 70 nanograms per liter. The PFAS were also detected in all major rivers in New Mexico, with the highest concentrations from sites downstream of urban areas.
Scientists collected water samples from upstream and downstream of Albuquerque, as well as treated water released from the wastewater treatment plant. The results showed that PFAS levels were approximately 10 times higher in the river downstream of the urban area compared to upstream locations.
“The comprehensive survey of New Mexico’s major rivers and evaluation of groundwater quality across the state is critical in helping NMED protect these valuable resources,” said Andy Jochems, Source Water Protection Team Lead for the New Mexico Environment Department. “The science provided by the USGS helps us make informed decisions about our drinking water resources into the future.”
“Our study highlights the complex nature of chemicals associated with urban areas and their impact on river systems,” said Kimberly Beisner, USGS hydrologist and lead author of the studies. “The data show that urban areas can be a major contributor of PFAS to rivers, with constantly changing concentrations due to wastewater discharge, stormwater runoff and other sources.”
PFAS levels changed over the 24 hours the USGS team took samples from the Rio Grande. Some of the changes seemed to be from treated wastewater being released into the river. Other changes may have been from stormwater washing PFAS off streets and other surfaces in the urban area when it rained.
To learn more about the work the USGS is doing on PFAS and the studies on drinking water, visit the PFAS Integrated Science Team’s website at usgs.gov and search PFAS.