Imagine living in a place where the water you drink, cook with, and bathe in could be a hidden danger. For many military families, this nightmare has been a harsh reality. Across numerous military bases, contaminated water has posed serious health risks, affecting thousands of service members and their dependents.

The issue of toxic water at military installations isn’t just a relic of the past; it’s an ongoing concern. Contaminants like PFAS, lead, and other hazardous substances have been found in alarming levels, leading to a host of health problems among our nation’s veterans and servicemembers as well as their dependents. Understanding the scope of this issue is crucial for those who live on these bases and for anyone concerned about environmental health.

Contaminants in Military Water Supply

Military bases across the United States have been contaminated by several harmful substances. The primary culprits, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known as “forever chemicals,” remain in the environment persistently with no natural method of elimination. At least 500 bases are confirmed sources of PFAS contamination, and hundreds more are suspected and now being investigated.

While there are thousands of different types of PFAS chemicals, military bases have particularly high concentrations of PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid), PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate) and PFHxS (perfluorohexane sulfonate) as well as other PFAS in their drinking water systems. 

Contaminants in the water pose significant health risks to military personnel and nearby communities. Over time, exposure to high levels of PFAS compounds links to health issues like cancer, liver damage, and immune system effects.

Sources of Military Base Water Contamination

How Contamination and Exposure Occurs

Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF)

AFFF, used extensively in firefighting on military bases, contains some of the more toxic subtypes of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS).  Scientific research underscores the severe health risks associated with exposure to PFAS, especially the PFOA and PFOS subtypes.  PFOA and PFOS are in AFFF which has been used for many decades on military bases to fight high temperature fuel fires. Contamination on and around military bases is far greater than any other geography or municipality due to the disproportionate need for occupational use of AFFF.  These chemicals persist in the environment when they are used and run off into the ground and surrounding environment, leading to contamination of drinking water systems, which are then consumed by servicemembers and their families who reside on or near military bases.  

Jet Fuel / Benzene

Jet fuel leaks and spills at military bases lead to groundwater contamination. This type of pollution poses a significant threat to nearby water supplies. Jet fuel’s toxic components include benzene, increasing the risk of leukemia and other blood disorders for exposed populations.

Landfills and Waste Sites

Landfills and waste disposal sites on or near military installations contribute to water contamination. Hazardous waste, including chemicals and heavy metals like lead, leaches into groundwater over time and subsequently consumed through drinking water.

Leaking Underground Storage Tanks

Underground storage tanks, particularly those used for fuel and chemicals, often develop leaks. These leaks release contaminants into the soil and groundwater, affecting nearby water supplies. The degradation products of these chemicals may pose additional health risks.

Sources of Military Base Water Contamination

How Contamination and Exposure Occurs

AFFF, used extensively in firefighting on military bases, contains some of the more toxic subtypes of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS).  Scientific research underscores the severe health risks associated with exposure to PFAS, especially the PFOA and PFOS subtypes.  PFOA and PFOS are in AFFF which has been used for many decades on military bases to fight high temperature fuel fires. Contamination on and around military bases is far greater than any other geography or municipality due to the disproportionate need for occupational use of AFFF.  These chemicals persist in the environment when they are used and run off into the ground and surrounding environment, leading to contamination of drinking water systems, which are then consumed by servicemembers and their families who reside on or near military bases.

How Contamination and Exposure Occurs

Jet fuel leaks and spills at military bases lead to groundwater contamination. This type of pollution poses a significant threat to nearby water supplies. Jet fuel’s toxic components include benzene, increasing the risk of leukemia and other blood disorders for exposed populations.

How Contamination and Exposure Occurs

Landfills and waste disposal sites on or near military installations contribute to water contamination. Hazardous waste, including chemicals and heavy metals like lead, leaches into groundwater over time and subsequently consumed through drinking water.

How Contamination and Exposure Occurs

Underground storage tanks, particularly those used for fuel and chemicals, often develop leaks. These leaks release contaminants into the soil and groundwater, affecting nearby water supplies. The degradation products of these chemicals may pose additional health risks.

Understanding AFFF Contamination on Military Bases

AFFF was co-developed in the 1960s by the 3M Company and the US Navy to tackle high-intensity fires, particularly those involving jet fuels. Its unique formulation allows it to form an aqueous film that quickly smothers fires, preventing re-ignition. The foam became a staple in military firefighting arsenals, especially for use on airfields and naval vessels where flammable liquids are prevalent.

Despite its effectiveness, concerns about the environmental persistence of its key components and effects on human health were raised by the US military early on.

AFFF contains PFAS, a group of man-made chemicals that include perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS). These substances are characterized by their carbon-fluorine bonds — one of the strongest in organic chemistry — making them resistant to degradation. This persistence means that once released into the environment, PFAS can remain for decades, accumulating in soil, water, and living organisms, thus the term, “forever chemicals”.

Impact on Soil and Water

The use of AFFF on military bases has led to significant contamination of soil and groundwater. PFAS compounds can leach through the soil, contaminating aquifers and surface water bodies.

Studies have found PFAS concentrations in groundwater near military installations to be significantly higher than the levels deemed safe by environmental agencies. This contamination poses a risk not only to military personnel but also to surrounding civilian communities.

Bioaccumulation in Wildlife

PFAS can bioaccumulate in wildlife, particularly in aquatic ecosystems. Fish and other marine organisms can absorb these chemicals, which then travel up the food chain, leading to higher concentrations in predators. This bioaccumulation can have severe ecological impacts, disrupting reproductive systems and increasing mortality rates in affected species.

Exposure to PFAS Linked to Adverse Health Outcomes

Exposure to PFAS has been linked to a range of serious health problems. While research is ongoing, several studies have identified potential risks associated with prolonged exposure to these chemicals.

Cancer and Chronic Diseases

AFFF contains high concentrations of certain PFAS chemicals, particularly PFOA and PFOS.  There is growing evidence that PFOA and PFOS exposure can increase the risk of certain cancers, including kidney and testicular cancer.

In fact, currently the International Agency for Research on Cancer designates PFOA as carcinogenic to humans (Group 1) and PFOS as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B). 

Reproductive and Developmental Effects

PFAS exposure has also been linked to reproductive and developmental issues. Pregnant women exposed to high levels of PFAS may face higher risks of preeclampsia and preterm birth.

Moreover, studies suggest that PFAS can affect fetal development, leading to low birth weights and developmental delays in children.

Immune System Effects

PFAS exposure weakens the immune response, reducing effectiveness against infections and response to vaccines. PFAS exposure may also cause immune system malfunctions and has been linked to causing serious conditions like ulcerative colitis (UC).

Nervous System Effects

Some studies have also linked prolonged exposure to PFAS chemicals to nervous system conditions such as Parkinson’s Disease.

Other Health Effects

High PFAS levels disrupt liver function, potentially leading to conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Additionally, PFAS have been associated with severe thyroid disease and increased cholesterol levels. 

All of these health issues pose significant concerns for both current and former military personnel and their families stationed at contaminated bases.

List of Military Bases with Contaminated Water

The Department of Defense (DoD) has acknowledged the widespread contamination of military bases across the United States, resulting from the use of AFFF. This contamination poses significant risks to both military personnel and surrounding communities, prompting urgent efforts for mitigation and cleanup. Below is a table listing over 500 U.S. military bases identified with PFAS contamination, while hundreds more are still in the process of being investigated and tested. 

(Data current as of July 2024)

What is the Military Doing to Clean Up Base Drinking Water?

Concerns about PFAS contamination on military bases have grown, with many criticizing the Pentagon’s slow response to pollution issues.

Addressing PFAS contamination on military bases involves a combination of remediation efforts and regulatory measures. The complexity of PFAS chemistry and the widespread nature of the contamination pose significant challenges to these efforts.

The Department of Defense (DoD) initially started testing off-base drinking water in 2016. Critics argue that the DoD failed to act swiftly, despite evidence of dangerous PFAS levels. Over 700 military locations are likely contaminated, exposing nearby communities to health risks like cancer and immune system damage. The use of AFFF firefighting foam, a primary source of PFAS, continues to be a point of contention.

PFAS Remediation

Various techniques are being employed to remediate PFAS-contaminated sites. These include activated carbon filtration, ion exchange resins, and advanced oxidation processes. Each method has its advantages and limitations, and often a combination of approaches is necessary to achieve effective remediation.

Regulatory Measures

In response to growing awareness of PFAS contamination, regulatory agencies have begun to set guidelines and limits for PFAS in drinking water. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued health advisories and is working on establishing enforceable standards.

Additionally, several states have implemented their own, often more stringent, regulations to protect public health.

Legal and Financial Implications

The widespread contamination of military bases with PFAS has led to numerous legal and financial repercussions. Affected communities and individuals have sought compensation for health impacts and property devaluation, leading to a wave of lawsuits against manufacturers and users of AFFF.

Internal documents have surfaced showing links between 3M’s manufactured PFAS and health risks on military bases. These documents reveal that 3M was aware of the dangers associated with PFAS exposure but continued supplying AFFF to the military. This revelation has prompted many to question the ethical responsibilities of both 3M and the DoD in protecting public health.

Litigation and Settlements

Several high-profile lawsuits have been filed against chemical manufacturers, including 3M and DuPont, for their role in producing PFAS-containing products. These legal actions have resulted in significant settlements, with funds allocated for environmental cleanup and compensation for affected individuals.

Financial Burden on the Military

The financial burden of PFAS remediation on military budgets is substantial. The Department of Defense has allocated billions of dollars to address PFAS contamination, but ongoing costs are expected to rise as more sites are tested and remediated. Balancing these costs with other defense priorities presents a significant challenge.

Military Base Water Contamination Lawsuit Grows as Discovery Continues

Legal actions against the military continue growing as more individuals come forward. The ongoing discovery process has unveiled additional evidence of negligence. This has intensified the scrutiny on how slowly the Pentagon responded to pollution concerns, fueling the call for stringent measures and greater accountability.

How to File a Military Water Contamination Lawsuit

1. Determine Eligibility

To file a military water contamination lawsuit, you need to determine your eligibility first. Individuals must have:

  1. Been diagnosed with certain cancers, ulcerative colitis, thyroid disease or Parkinson’s Disease; and,
  2. Resided or worked at or within 5 miles of a contaminated military base for at least 6 months between 1970 to present day.

2. Collect Relevant Documentation

Gather all necessary documents for your case. This includes medical records showing health issues potentially linked to the contaminants, military service records, and proof of residency on the affected base. These documents support your claim and establish the timeline of exposure.

3. File your claim

Once you have determined your eligibility, you can file a claim in the ongoing AFFF lawsuit. Your lawyer will assist in submitting the required paperwork and represent you in court. This process may involve multiple steps, including depositions and negotiations, before reaching a potential settlement or judgment.

 

Key Takeaways

» Widespread Contamination: At least 500 US military bases have confirmed PFAS contamination with hundreds more suspected, affecting thousands of service members and their families across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, and Guam.

» Health Risks from AFFF: Exposure to toxic PFAS chemicals through firefighting foam (AFFF) contaminated water is linked to serious health issues including cancer, liver damage, and immune system effects.

» Slow Response from DoD: The Department of Defense has faced criticism for its delayed action and inadequate standards in addressing PFAS contamination on military bases.

» Legal Actions and Settlements: There have been significant legal developments, including a $1.185 billion settlement, aimed at compensating affected communities and funding cleanup efforts.

» Sources of Contamination: Key sources of contamination include firefighting foam (AFFF), jet fuel spills, landfills, and leaking underground storage tanks. In addition to military servicemembers and their families, these contaminants pose serious health risks to nearby communities that are affected by the spillover contamination.

» Compensation for Affected Individuals: Active military personnel, veterans, civilian employees, and contractors who have been diagnosed with certain cancers, ulcerative colitis (UC), thyroid disorders, or Parkinson’s Disease can seek legal recourse for damages.

The Path Forward

Ongoing research is crucial to better understand PFAS and develop more effective remediation strategies. Scientists are exploring new materials and methods to break down PFAS in the environment and reduce their persistence.

Policy and advocacy efforts are essential to drive regulatory changes and secure funding for remediation. Environmental groups and affected communities are working to raise awareness of PFAS issues and push for stronger regulations and accountability from polluters.

Conclusion

AFFF contamination on military bases is a complex issue with significant environmental, health, and financial implications. While progress is being made in understanding and addressing PFAS contamination, much work remains to be done. Continued research, robust regulatory frameworks, and sustained advocacy are crucial to mitigate the impact of PFAS and protect both military personnel and the broader public. As we move forward, the lessons learned from this issue can inform better practices and policies to prevent similar contamination in the future.

Get the latest news & updates

Subscribe to our newsletter