The drinking water of 700 military bases have tested positive for PFAS contamination.
Today we’re seeing more news stories on the water contamination issues around the US on military bases. As a paralegal assistant, I have been asked to write about the truth behind the military bases that have tested positive for PFAS contamination in drinking water.
PFAS, or Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of man-made chemicals that have been used in various industries since the 1940s. PFAS are found in products such as non-stick cookware, stain-resistant carpets, waterproof clothing, and firefighting foams. The problem with PFAS is that they do not break down in the environment and can accumulate in the body over time, leading to severe health effects.
PFAS contamination has been a significant issue in military bases across the United States. In this article, we will discuss the history of PFAS in military bases, the military bases that have tested positive for PFAS contamination in drinking water, the health risks associated with PFAS exposure, and the government and military response to the contamination.
The history of PFAS in military bases
The military has been using firefighting foams containing PFAS since the 1970s to extinguish jet fuel fires. These foams were used in training exercises and during emergencies on military bases across the country. As a result, PFAS have been found in the soil, groundwater, and drinking water at many military bases.
In the early 2000s, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began investigating the health effects of PFAS exposure. The EPA found that exposure to PFAS could lead to health issues such as cancer, thyroid disease, and developmental issues in fetuses and infants. The EPA set a health advisory level of 70 parts per trillion (ppt) for two of the most common PFAS chemicals, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), in drinking water.
Military bases that have tested positive for PFAS contamination in drinking water
According to the Department of Defense (DoD), as of March 2021, there are over 700 military bases that have reported PFAS contamination in their drinking water. Some of the most significant cases of PFAS contamination in military bases are in Texas and California.
PFAS contamination in Texas military bases and the cancer lawsuit
In Texas, the most notorious military base for PFAS contamination is the former Kelly Air Force Base in San Antonio. The base closed in 2001, but the contamination remains. In 2018, a group of residents who lived near the base filed a lawsuit against the DoD and the Air Force for exposing them to PFAS. The lawsuit alleges that the contamination caused cancer, birth defects, and other health problems. The lawsuit is ongoing, and the residents are seeking financial compensation for their injuries. If you are reading this and have been exposed to PFAS in Texas, contact our lawyers today to start the claims process.
Other Texas military bases with PFAS contamination include the Joint Base San Antonio, Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, and Laughlin Air Force Base. The DoD has been working to clean up the contamination, but progress has been slow.
PFAS contamination in California military bases and the cancer lawsuit
In California, the most significant military base for PFAS contamination is the former Marine Corps Air Station El Toro in Orange County. The base closed in 1999, but the contamination remains. In 2016, a group of residents who lived near the base filed a lawsuit against the DoD and the Marine Corps for exposing them to PFAS. The lawsuit alleges that the contamination caused cancer, birth defects, and other health problems. The lawsuit is ongoing, and the residents are seeking financial compensation for their injuries. If you are reading this and have been exposed to PFAS in California, contact our lawyers today to start the claims process.
Other California military bases with PFAS contamination include Camp Pendleton, Travis Air Force Base, and March Air Reserve Base. The DoD has been working to clean up the contamination, but progress has been slow.
Health risks associated with PFAS exposure
Exposure to PFAS can lead to severe health effects, including cancer, thyroid disease, and developmental issues in fetuses and infants. PFAS can also weaken the immune system and affect hormone levels. The health effects of PFAS exposure can take years to manifest, making it challenging to determine the cause of health issues. In addition, children born to mothers exposed to PFAS during pregnancy have been found to have lower birth weights and increased risk of developmental delays. Studies have also found that PFAS chemicals can accumulate in the body over time and can be passed from one generation to the next.
Government and military response to PFAS contamination in military bases
The DoD has been working to address PFAS contamination in military bases. In 2019, the DoD released a report outlining its plan to address PFAS contamination in drinking water. The plan includes testing and monitoring for PFAS, cleaning up contaminated sites, and reducing the use of PFAS in firefighting foams.
If you’re a military service member who has been affected by PFAS contamination, you may be eligible for financial compensation. There are a number of legal resources available to military service members who have been exposed to PFAS contamination – Contact our law firm today at 1-800-631-5656.
One such resource is the Military Toxic Exposure Compensation Program. This program provides financial compensation to those who have been exposed to toxic substances while serving in the military, including PFAS exposure. The program also provides medical care to those affected and covers the costs of medical exams and tests.
The EPA has also taken steps to address PFAS contamination. In 2021, the EPA announced its plan to regulate PFAS in drinking water. The plan includes setting a maximum contaminant level for PFAS in drinking water and requiring water utilities to test for PFAS.
Steps to take if you suspect PFAS contamination in your drinking water
If you suspect PFAS contamination in your drinking water, there are several steps you can take. The first step is to contact your local water utility and ask if they have tested for PFAS. If PFAS is detected, the utility should provide you with information on how to reduce your exposure. You can also have your water tested by a certified laboratory.
If you live near a military base or industrial facility that uses PFAS, you may be at higher risk for exposure. In that case, you should consider using a water filtration system that is designed to remove PFAS from drinking water.
PFAS water filtration solutions
There are several types of water filtration systems that can remove PFAS from drinking water. The most effective types of filters are activated carbon filters and reverse osmosis systems.
While doing a Google search we found one company that has a few water filters for PFAS. We are providing this link for your information only – this is not an endorsement or recommendation.
Activated carbon filters work by adsorbing the PFAS chemicals onto the surface of the carbon. These filters are effective at removing low levels of PFAS from drinking water.
Reverse osmosis systems work by forcing water through a semi-permeable membrane that filters out contaminants. These systems are effective at removing high levels of PFAS from drinking water.
Take Action if Exposed to PFAS on any base.
The truth about PFAS contamination in military bases is alarming. It is essential to take steps to protect yourself and your family from exposure to these harmful chemicals. If you suspect PFAS contamination in your drinking water, contact your local water utility and have your water tested. Consider using a water filtration system that is designed to remove PFAS from drinking water.
Have you or a loved one lived or worked at a military base and developed cancer or other serious illness?
| NAME | TOTAL PFAS (PARTS PER TRILLION) | PFAS DETECTED | SAMPLE YEAR | ||
| Fort Leavenworth | Kansas | 4,022.70 | 6:2 FTS, PFBS, PFBA, PFHpA, PFHxS, PFHxA, PFNA, PFOS, PFOA, PFPeA | 2018 | |
| Joint Forces Training Base | California | 790.5 | PFBS, PFBA, PFHxS, PFHxA, PFOS, PFOA, PFPeA | 2017 | |
| Belmont Armory | Michigan | 457.1 | PFBS, PFBA, PFHpA, PFHxS, PFHxA, PFOS, PFOA, PFPeA | 2018 | |
| McChord Air Force Base | Washington | 303 | PFBS, PFHpA, PFHxS, PFOS, PFOA | 2017 | |
| Fort Hunter Liggett | California | 235 | PFBS, PFHpA, PFHxS, PFHxA, PFOS, PFOA | 2018 | |
| Sierra Army Depot | California | 221 | PFHpA, PFHxS, PFOA | 2017 | |
| Camp Grayling | Michigan | 172.3 | PFBA, PFHpA, PFHxA, PFOA, PFPeA | 2017 | |
| El Campo Training Site | Texas | 169.57 | PFBS, PFBA, PFDA, PFDoA, PFHpA, PFHxS, PFHxA, PFNA, FOSA, PFOS, PFOA, PFPeA, PFTriA, PFUnA | 2017 | |
| Fort Lewis | Washington | 144.8 | PFBS, PFHpA, PFHxS, PFHxA, PFNA, PFOS, PFOA | 2018 | |
| Picatinny Arsenal | New Jersey | 144.2 | PFBS, PFHpA, PFHxS, PFHxA, PFNA, PFOS, PFOA | 2018 | |
| Camp Ethan Allen | Vermont | 112.2 | PFBA, PFHpA, PFHxA, PFOA, PFPeA | 2017 | |
| Fort Drum | New York | 110 | PFHpA, PFHxS, PFOA | 2016 | |
| Camp Smith | New York | 80.6 | PFHxS, PFOS | 2016 | |
| Yuma Proving Ground | Arizona | 66.6 | PFBS, PFHpA, PFHxS, PFOA | 2016 | |
| Fort Bragg | North Carolina | 62.14 | PFHpA, PFHxS, PFHxA, PFOS, PFOA | 2016 | |
| Coventry Training Site | Rhode Island | 61.21 | PFBS, PFBA, PFHpA, PFHxS, PFHxA, PFOA, PFPeA, PFTeA | 2017 | |
| Center Strafford Training Site | New Hampshire | 60.59 | 6:2 FTS, PFBS, PFBA, PFHpA, PFHxS, PFHxA, PFNA, PFOS, PFOA, PFPeA | 2017 | |
| Bangor Air Guard Training Site | Maine | 55.32 | PFBS, PFBA, PFHpA, PFHxA, PFOA, PFPeA | 2017 | |
| West Point Military Reservation | New York | 55 | PFHpA, PFHxA, PFOA | 2018 | |
| Marianna Readiness Center | Florida | 53.25 | 6:2 FTS, PFBS, PFBA, PFDA, PFDoA, PFHpA, PFHxS, PFHxA, PFNA, PFOS, PFOA, PFPeA, PFTriA, PFTeA | 2017 | |
| Sharpe Army Depot | California | 43.7 | PFBS, PFHxS, PFNA, PFOS, PFOA | 2018 | |
| Silverbell Army Heliport | Arizona | 39.17 | PFBS, PFHpA, PFHxS, PFHxA, PFOS, PFOA, PFPeA, PFTeA | 2017 | |
| Carlisle Barracks | Pennsylvania | 37.2 | PFBS, PFHpA,PFHxS, PFOS, PFOA | 2017 | |
| Rock Island Arsenal | Illinois | 34 | PFBS, PFHxA, PFOS, PFOA | 2018 | |
| Camp Navajo | Arizona | 31.26 | PFBS, PFBA, PFHpA, PFHxS, PFHxA, PFOS, PFOA, PFPeA | 2017 | |
| Camp Tarlton | Ohio | 30.2 | PFBA, PFPeA | 2017 | |
| Camp Williams | Utah | 29.59 | PFBS, PFBA, PFHpA, PFHxS, PFHxA, PFOS, PFOA, PFPeA, PFTeA | 2017 | |
| Fort Riley | Kansas | 28.8 | PFBS, PFHxS, PFHxA, PFOA | 2018 | |
| Ocala Readiness Center | Florida | 26.98 | PFBS, PFBA, PFHxS, PFHxA, PFOS, PFOA, PFTeA | 2017 | |
| Fort Huachuca | Arizona | 26.5 | PFBS, PFHpA, PFHxS, PFHxA | 2018 | |
| North Smithfield Air Guard Station | Rhode Island | 20.01 | PFBS, PFBA, PFHpA, PFHxS, PFHxA, PFOS, PFOA, PFPeA, PFTriA, PFTeA | 2017 | |
| Camp Parks | California | 18.6 | PFBS, PFHxS, PFOS | 2017 | |
| Camp Ripley | Minnisota | 18.39 | PFBA, PFHxS, PFOS, PFTeA | 2017 | |
| Gunpowder Military Reservation | Maryland | 15.79 | PFBA, PFHpA, PFHxA, PFOS, PFOA, PFPeA, PFTeA | 2017 | |
| Shelbyville Army Aviation Support Facility | Indiana | 15.05 | PFDA, PFDoA, PFNA, PFTriA, PFUnA | 2017 | |
| Frederick Readiness Center | Maryland | 14.69 | PFBS, PFBA, PFHpA, PFHxA, PFOS, PFOA, PFPeA, PFTeA | 2017 | |
| Christmas Valley Air Force Station | Oregon | 14.3 | FOSA, PFOA | 2017 | |
| Norfol | Nebraska | 13.82 | PFBA, PFHpA, PFOA, PFTeA | 2017 | |
| Grand Ledge Army Aviation Support | Michigan | 13.63 | 6:2 FTS, PFHxA, PFOA | 2017 | |
| Aberdeen Proving Ground | Maryland | 13.2 | PFBS, PFHxS, PFHxA, PFOS, PFOA | 2018 | |
| Midwest City Readiness Center | Oklahoma | 11.91 | PFBS, PFHxS, PFOS, PFOA | 2017 | |
| Terre Haute | Indiana | 11.35 | PFDA, PFDoA, PFNA, PFTriA, PFUnA | 2017 | |
| White Sands Missile Range | New Mexico | 11 | PFNA | 2016 | |
| Fort Gordon | Georgia | 10.8 | PFBS, PFHpA, PFHxA, PFOS | 2018 | |
| Bend | Oregon | 9.75 | PFHxA, FOSA | 2017 | |
| Camp Grafton | North Dakota | 9.34 | PFBA, PFDA, PFNA, PFOA, PFTeA | 2017 | |
| Custer Training Site | South Dakota | 8.57 | PFBS, PFBA, PFDA, PFHpA, PFHxS, PFHxA, PFOS, PFOA, PFTeA | 2017 | |
| Fort Detrick | Maryland | 8 | PFBS, PFOS, PFOA | 2016 | |
| Franklin | New Jersey | 7.68 | PFHxA, PFOS, PFOA, PFPeA | 2017 | |
| Camp Guernsey | Wyoming | 7.06 | PFBA, PFDA, PFDoA, PFOA, PFTriA, PFTeA, PFUnA | 2017 | |
| Camp Baker | Maryland | 6.47 | PFHxS, PFNA, PFOS, PFOA, PFTeA | 2017 | |
| Lake City Army Ammunition Plant | Missouri | 6.3 | PFHpA | 2016 | |
| North Hyde Park Training Site | Vermont | 5.96 | PFBA, PFHxA, PFOA, PFTeA | 2017 | |
| Billings | Montana | 5.79 | PFBS, PFBA, PFOS, PFOA, PFTeA | 2017 | |
| Camp Minden | Louisiana | 5.72 | 6:2 FTS | 2017 | |
| Lane County Armed Forces Reserve Center | Oregon | 5.65 | PFHxS, FOSA, PFOS, PFTeA | 2017 | |
| Fort Leonard Wood | Missouri | 5.6 | PFBS, PFHxS, PFOS | 2016 | |
| Westminster Training Site | Vermont | 5.55 | PFBA, PFHxA, PFOA, PFTeA | 2017 | |
| West Camp Rapid | South Dakota | 5.53 | PFBS, PFBA, PFHxS, PFTeA | 2017 | |
| Camp Ashland | Nebraska | 4.76 | PFBA, PFHxS, PFOS, PFTeA | 2017 | |
| Stone’s Ranch Military Reservation | Connecticut | 4.56 | PFTriA, PFTeA | 2017 | |
| Camp McCain | Mississippi | 4.22 | PFBA, PFDA, PFDoA, PFTeA, PFUnA | 2017 | |
| Camp Fretterd Readiness | Maryland | 3.9 | PFBS, PFBA, PFOA, PFTeA | 2017 | |
| Camp Rilea | Oregon | 3.77 | 6:2 FTS, PFBA, FOSA, PFTeA | 2017 | |
| Biak Training Center | Oregon | 3.72 | FOSA | 2017 | |
| Camp Ravenna | Ohio | 3.71 | PFBS, PFBA, PFUnA | 2017 | |
| Ontario Readiness Center | Oregon | 3.5 | PFBA, PFOA, PFTeA | 2017 | |
| Queen Anne Readiness Center | Maryland | 3.15 | PFBA, PFOA, PFTeA | 2017 | |
| Rehoboth | Massachusetts | 2.92 | PFOS, PFOA | 2017 | |
| Camp Gruber | Oklahoma | 2.82 | PFBA, PFOA | 2017 | |
| Camp Bowie | Texas | 2.66 | FOSA, PFOA, PFTeA | 2017 | |
| Camp Davis | North Dakota | 2.61 | PFBA, PFDA, PFOA, PFTeA | 2017 | |
| Camp Roberts | California | 2.25 | PFTeA | 2017 | |
| Camp Blanding | Florida | 2.14 | PFDoA, PFTriA, PFTeA | 2017 | |
| SSG Isadore S. Jachman Reserve Center | Maryland | 2.1 | PFOA | 2016 | |
| McCrady Training Center | South Carolina | 2.02 | PFOA, PFTeA | 2017 | |
| Limestone Hills Training | Montana | 1.98 | PFBA, PFTeA | 2017 | |
| Redstone Arsenal | Alabama | 1.9 | PFBS | 2019 | |
| Lebanon Motor Pool | Oregon | 1.85 | FOSA, PFTeA | 2017 | |
| Camp Shelby | Mississippi | 1.73 | PFTeA | 2017 | |
| Garrison | North Dakota | 1.67 | PFBA, PFTeA | 2017 | |
| Flemington | New Jersey | 1.67 | PFOA | 2017 | |
| Greenlief Training | Nebraska | 1.42 | PFTriA, PFTeA | 2017 | |
| Alcantra Armory Complex | Alaska | 1.3 | PFBA | 2017 | |
| Gerry Reserve Center | New York | 1.1 | PFOA | 2016 | |
| Horseheads | New York | 1 | PFTeA | 2017 | |
| Stewart Air National Guard | New York | 0.99 | PFOA | 2016 | |
| Roseburg Armory | Oregon | 0.8 | PFTeA | 2017 | |
| Montesano Armory | Washington | 0.8 | PFTeA | 2017 | |
| Salem Anderson Readiness | Oregon | 0.71 | PFBA | 2017 | |
| Bridgeton | New Jersey | 0.7 | PFTeA | 2017 | |
| Jackson Readiness Center | Michigan | 0.69 | PFOA | 2017 | |
| SSG Frederick J. III Jr. | New York | 0.68 | PFOA | 2016 | |
| Buckeye Training Site | Arizona | 0.6 | PFBA | 2017 | |
| Picacho Aviation Training Site | Arizona | 0.56 | PFTeA | 2017 | |
| Hayward Training Site | Wisconsin | 0.54 | PFBA, PFTeA | 2017 | |
| Camp Florence | Arizona | 0.52 | PFTeA | 2017 | |
| La Plata Readiness Center | Maryland | 0.4 | PFTeA | 2017 | |
| Mead Training Site | Nebraska | 0.37 | PFTeA | 2017 | |
| Grants Pass Armory | Oregon | 0.18 | PFTeA | 2017 |
Additional Military BASES with PFAS Added September 6, 2023:
| Military installation name | Service branch | Highest contaminant | Highest detection (ppt) |
| ALABAMA | |||
| Fort Novosel(formerly Fort Rucker) | Army | PFOS | 93,000 |
| ALASKA | |||
| Fort Greely | Army | PFBS | 76 |
| ARIZONA | |||
| Papago Military Reservation | Army | PFHxS | 4,430 |
| ARKANSAS | |||
| Pine Bluff Arsenal | Army | PFOS | 330 |
| CALIFORNIA | |||
| Fort Irwin | Army | PFOS | 77 |
| Military Ocean Terminal Concord | Army | PFOS | 11,000 |
| MIRAMAR CA MCAS | Navy | PFOA | 1 |
| CONNECTICUT | |||
| Windsor Locks AASF | Army | PFHxS | 1,830 |
| DELAWARE | |||
| Duncan Armory AASF | Army | 6:2 FTS | 1,100 |
| GEORGIA | |||
| Camp Frank D. Merrill | Army | PFOS | 22,000 |
| Fort Moore(formerly Fort Benning) | Army | PFOS | 13,000 |
| Fort Gordon – Gillem Annex | Army | PFOS | 360 |
| Fort Stewart | Army | PFOS | 360,000 |
| Fort Stewart-HunterArmy Airfield | Army | PFOS | 2,100,000 |
| Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay | Navy | PFOS | 41,600 |
| HAWAII | |||
| Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Pacific Pearl Harbor | Navy | PFOS | 18,700 |
| Navy Munitions Command, East Asia Division Unit Pearl Harbor | Navy | PFOS | 10,100 |
| Fleet and Industrial Supply Center Pearl Harbor | Navy | PFHxS | 190,000 |
| Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility | Navy | PFOS | 726 |
| Marine Corps Base Hawaii, formerly Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay | Navy | PFOS | 130,000 |
| Kalaeloa Facility (Former Barbers Point-NAS) | Navy | PFHxS | 28.4 |
| Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam | Navy | PFOS | 2,620,000 |
| INDIANA | |||
| Camp Atterbury/Range 36 ATG | Army | PFBS | 2,160 |
| KANSAS | |||
| Forbes Field | Air Force | PFHxS | 35,600 |
| Topeka Forbes Field AASF #1 | Army | PFOS | 475 |
| KENTUCKY | |||
| Blue Grass Army Depot | Army | PFOS | 2,600 |
| Fort Campbell | Army | PFOS | 3,700 |
| Fort Knox | Army | PFOS | 5,800 |
| LOUISIANA | |||
| Fort Polk | Army | PFOS | 6,800 |
| MARYLAND | |||
| Fort Meade – Phoenix Military Reservation | Army | PFHxA | 50 |
| MICHIGAN | |||
| Detroit Arsenal | Army | PFOS | 6,400 |
| Lansing Airport Hangar | Army | PFHxS | 288 |
| MTC-H Camp Grayling-Cantonment | Army | PFHxS | 315 |
| MTC-H Camp Grayling-MATES | Army | PFOS | 7,810 |
| MONTANA | |||
| Fort William Henry Harrison /JFHQ MT | Army | PFHxS | 213 |
| Helena Aviation Readiness Center – AASF | Army | PFOS | 814 |
| NEW HAMPSHIRE | |||
| Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory | Army | PFHxA | 23 |
| NEW JERSEY | |||
| AASF Main Hangar-cold storage | Army | 6:2 FTS | 4,090 |
| NORTH CAROLINA | |||
| Fort Bragg – Camp Mackall | Army | PFBS | 32 |
| Salisbury AASF #2 | Army | PFOS | 2,700 |
| OKLAHOMA | |||
| Fort Sill | Army | PFOA | 200,000 |
| McAlester Army Ammunition Plant | Army | PFOS | 170,000 |
| PENNSYLVANIA | |||
| MECHANICSBURG PA NAVICP | Navy | PFOS | 2,990 |
| Naval Support Activity Philadelphia | Navy | PFHxA | 72,221 |
| Scranton Army Ammunition Plant | Army | PFOS | 16 |
| PUERTO RICO | |||
| Fort Buchanan | Army | PFOS | 680 |
| SOUTH CAROLINA | |||
| Fort Jackson | Army | PFOS | 6,700 |
| TEXAS | |||
| Fort Hood | Army | PFHxS | 500 |
| Red River Army Depot | Army | PFOA | 17 |
| UTAH | |||
| Dugway Proving Ground | Army | PFOS | 6,100 |
| Tooele Army Depot | Army | PFOA | 180 |
| Tooele Army Depot South (Deseret Chemical Depot) | Army | PFOA | 31 |
| VIRGINIA | |||
| Fort AP Hill | Army | PFOA | 430 |
| Fort Belvoir | Army | PFOA | 52,000 |
| Fort Lee | Army | PFOS | 10,000 |
| JB Myer Henderson Hall | Army | PFOS | 530 |
| Radford Army Ammunition Plant | Army | PFOA | 72 |
| WISCONSIN | |||
| West Bend Armory | Army | 6:2 FTS | 871,000 |
We’re now finding that possibly millions of military service members, contractors, civilian workers, and their families were exposed to toxic chemicals at the bases where they lived or worked.
If you developed cancer, it very well may be related to your time at a military base. You may qualify for substantial financial compensation via cash settlements. Take Action Now by using the 100% Secure claims form on this page, or call us directly toll free at 1-800-631-5656.
It is also essential to hold the government and the military accountable for the contamination that has occurred. Contact your elected officials and demand that they take action to address PFAS contamination in military bases and other areas affected by the chemicals. Together, we can ensure that everyone has access to safe and clean drinking water.
Introduction to PFAS and its Contamination on Military Bases Page updated on September 6, 2023