Perfluorinated Chemicals (PFCs)

Perfluorinated Chemicals (PFCs) Found in AFA Groundwater
 
Black Forest’s Air Force Academy neighbor has discovered toxic chemicals in their groundwater. The chemicals, known as PFCs, are firefighting foam substances that also contaminated water in Security, Widefield, and Fountain.
 
We called the El Paso County Public Health Department for information of interest to Black Forest residents who may be concerned about their well water. Aaron Doussett, the Water Quality manager, provided the following information:

• The Air Force is testing wells to determine how far the contamination has spread. There is no information about any Black Forest wells to date (August 27, 2019).
• Residents may test their well water for PFCs. The EPC Public Health Department uses labs associated with the EPA who charge about $300 per test.
• Reverse osmosis filters with catalytic carbon media, which can be installed under the kitchen sink, remove PFC molecules.
• Water contaminated with PFCs does not have any unusual odor, color, or taste.
• A person drinking PFC contaminated water does not appear ill immediately.

 
For more information, call the El Paso County Health Department at (719) 518-3131 or read Perfluorinated Compounds (PFCs) in Fountain, Widefield, Security for more information.

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