PFAS Contamination: A Growing Concern Near March Air Reserve Base

Water safety is a top concern for many communities, especially when it comes to chemical contamination. One growing issue is PFAS, a group of man-made chemicals used in many everyday products, including firefighting foam. These chemicals don’t break down easily, which means they can stay in the environment—and our water—for a long time. While Hemet has not reported major PFAS issues, areas near March Air Reserve Base have been affected due to past use of firefighting foam on runways. This has led to the closure of several wells and concerns about long-term water safety.

PFAS and Its Impact on Water Safety

PFAS are often called "forever chemicals" because they do not easily disappear from water or soil. Studies have linked high levels of PFAS exposure to potential health problems, including liver issues, immune system effects, and an increased risk of certain cancers. These contaminants can enter drinking water through industrial waste, landfill runoff, and firefighting foam used at military bases like March Air Reserve Base.

PFAS Contamination at March Air Reserve Base

The March Air Reserve Base has been identified as a contamination source due to decades of firefighting foam use, which has contaminated local groundwater with PFAS. Several wells have been shut down to prevent exposure.

The Department of the Air Force (DAF) has spent over $2.2 billion on PFAS investigations and cleanup, implementing new regulatory standards, and expanding water sampling. The Air Force Civil Engineer Center (AFCEC) is leading efforts to install Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) filtration, conduct quarterly testing, and connect affected homes to municipal water supplies where needed (Perez, 2024).

To speed up cleanup, the DAF has also invested $300 million in new PFAS treatment technologies and alternatives to firefighting foams (Perez, 2024). While progress continues, regulatory agencies and local communities remain focused on reducing contamination risks and ensuring long-term water safety.

What’s Being Done to Address PFAS Contamination?

• Well Shutdowns & Treatment: Several contaminated wells near March Air Reserve Base have been shut down, and water agencies are exploring advanced treatment options to remove PFAS from affected water sources.

• State & Federal Regulations: The EPA has introduced new drinking water health advisories for PFAS, while California has set statewide monitoring and response levels to ensure public safety.

• Filtration & Remediation Efforts: Technologies like granular activated carbon (GAC) and reverse osmosis are being tested to remove PFAS from contaminated water supplies.

Looking Ahead: Ensuring Safe Water for Local Communities

While efforts are underway to contain and remediate PFAS contamination near March Air Reserve Base, it remains a long-term challenge. Continued testing, funding for cleanup efforts, and stricter regulations will be key to protecting public health and ensuring a safe drinking water supply for surrounding communities.

References

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), PFAS Explained (October 3, 2024). Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/pfas/pfas-explained

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Our Current Understanding of the Human Health and Environmental Risks of PFAS (November 26, 2024). Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/pfas/our-current-understanding-human-health-and-environmental-risks-pfas

Perez, N., DAF Leaning Forward with PFAS Clean-up Plan (June 6, 2024). Retrieved from https://www.march.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3799780/daf-leaning-forward-with-pfas-clean-up-plan/

Tuser, C., What is Granular Activated Carbon? (January 3, 2022). Retrieved from https://www.wwdmag.com/what-is-articles/article/10939799/what-is-granular-activated-carbon-gac