PFAS in New Mexico

PFAS in New Mexico’s drinking water

Drinking water is a primary avenue for human PFAS exposure. Because these chemicals dissolve in water and resist degradation, any local water source that becomes contaminated tends to stay that way. For residents who rely on private wells, the presence of PFAS can go unnoticed without testing. For municipalities, routine testing can reveal PFAS in the water supply, leading to complicated decisions about treatment and funding for cleanup.

Cannon and Holloman Air Force Bases

Two notable sites involved in New Mexico’s PFAS story are Cannon Air Force Base near Clovis and Holloman Air Force Base near Alamogordo. Historically, firefighting foam containing PFAS was used in training exercises on these bases. Over time, the foam soaked into the soil and migrated to groundwater. According to NMED, local homeowners and businesses around Cannon Air Force Base were offered free well testing in late 2024, reflecting ongoing concerns about contamination.

Residents near Holloman Air Force Base also face uncertainty. The state has called for more extensive sampling to establish the extent of PFAS migration into private wells, especially in nearby communities. According to the research, some living near military installations in other states have pursued lawsuits against the parties responsible for the contamination. That may serve as an example to New Mexicans considering similar action.

Groundwater contamination in Curry and Otero Counties

In Curry County, dairies reported severe PFAS contamination after monitoring wells showed high levels of PFOA and PFOS. One study revealed that 3,600 dairy cows were euthanized because PFAS-laden groundwater left the milk unfit for consumption. These events signaled how wide-ranging the financial and personal consequences can be for agricultural producers, especially since compensation for these losses can be slow or uncertain.

In Otero County, the proximity of farmland and private wells to Holloman Air Force Base raised concerns about whether PFAS might spread through irrigation systems. Researchers working in partnership with the New Mexico Environment Department continue to investigate potential direct-contact risks from soil, as well as groundwater infiltration. If you rely on a private well, it may be worth exploring testing options to understand whether PFAS levels in your water source exceed the state’s or the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) advisory thresholds.

State and federal testing initiatives

Across New Mexico, federal and state agencies have allocated resources to investigate PFAS levels in public and private water systems. The EPA recently provided $2 billion in funding to address emerging contaminants, including PFAS, through programs aimed at small or high-need communities. New Mexico’s Environment Department has also taken steps to identify contaminated sites statewide.

Local governments continue to collaborate with agencies such as the U.S. Geological Survey to sample and assess PFAS load in major water bodies. Officials have tested 117 groundwater wells and numerous surface water sites between August 2020 and October 2021. The results showed detectible PFAS levels in all major rivers. In particular, the Rio Grande downstream of Albuquerque had PFAS concentrations roughly 10 times higher than upstream locations. Although these findings are concerning, they guide decisions on prioritizing cleanup efforts and implementing stricter safety standards.

If you suspect your property’s water has been affected by PFAS, you can find more information about potential legal routes here: Water contamination lawsuit.

PFAS in New Mexico’s soil and agriculture

New Mexico’s agricultural lands generate produce, dairy, and meat for local and regional markets. PFAS-contaminated water used for irrigation may deposit these chemicals into soil, where they accumulate in crops or pass to livestock. Over time, even small amounts of PFAS can lead to measurable concentrations in dairy products or meat, as was seen near Cannon Air Force Base.

The Desert Research Institute and other partners have carried out field investigations to see how deeply PFAS travels within soil layers and the long-term viability of farmland. Their findings suggest that these chemicals can stay within the top layers of soil or gradually move downward, depending on local precipitation, irrigation practices, and soil composition. Such patterns raise implications for safe consumption of local produce. It also highlights a need for ongoing soil testing to protect farmers, ranchers, and consumers.

Health effects of PFAS exposure

Prolonged or repeated exposure to PFAS can potentially harm multiple organ systems. According to the National Toxicology Program, PFOA and PFOS in particular can reduce antibody responses, affecting human immune function. There is also evidence linking PFAS to elevated cholesterol, certain types of cancer, thyroid disorders, and other metabolic problems.

Scientists stress that the magnitude of health risks varies depending on the specific type of PFAS, frequency of exposure, and individual susceptibility. Because PFAS are slow to break down, they tend to accumulate over time. That accumulation is what raises long-term health concerns, especially for vulnerable populations such as children, pregnant people, and those with compromised immune systems. While PFAS blood levels have declined overall since some chemicals were phased out of consumer products in the early 2000s, new forms of PFAS continue to enter the market.

PFAS-linked diseases in New Mexico

In New Mexico, epidemiological studies are beginning to examine the relative prevalence of PFAS-linked conditions in communities with documented contamination. Although the research is ongoing, certain illnesses appear more frequently in areas with higher PFAS exposure. Below are four of the health concerns experts consistently highlight.

Kidney cancer

Kidney cancer has come under scrutiny for its association with PFAS, particularly PFOA. While not every individual exposed to PFAS will develop this disease, I have seen multiple public health advisories referencing potential links. Kidney function can be disrupted by prolonged PFAS intake, and frequent testing is recommended for those with known high exposure levels.

Testicular cancer

Some studies outside New Mexico have shown an increased incidence of testicular cancer in communities exposed to high PFAS concentrations. Researchers hypothesize that hormonal disruption may be a mechanism by which PFAS influences cell growth. Ongoing monitoring is crucial if you believe you have been exposed to elevated levels.

Thyroid disease

The thyroid gland regulates metabolism, energy balance, and hormonal function. PFAS, especially PFOS, may interfere with thyroid hormone levels, potentially leading to hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. If you live near a known PFAS site, local health experts often recommend monitoring thyroid function as part of routine checkups. Early detection and interventions can mitigate some of the worst outcomes.

Liver damage and cholesterol changes

Liver enzymes are frequently monitored in people with suspected PFAS exposure. A significant number of individuals with higher PFAS levels show alterations in cholesterol and lipid profiles. According to some toxicology assessments, PFAS appears to disrupt the body’s normal processes for metabolizing fats. Medical experts say regular lipid-level screening can catch any unusual trends early, ensuring timely intervention if necessary.

How New Mexico is responding to the PFAS crisis

New Mexico’s response to PFAS contamination involves multiple agencies and legal mechanisms. The state government, local stakeholders, and federal organizations work in concert to identify polluted sites, hold accountable parties responsible for contamination, and explore cleanup or remediation strategies. While PFAS legislation in New Mexico is still evolving, recent bills and regulations underscore the seriousness with which officials treat this issue.

New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) actions

NMED plays a central role in testing soil, water, and air for PFAS and then publicly sharing that data. Alongside collaborators such as the U.S. Geological Survey, the department has also studied how PFAS migrates through environments over time. NMED has been actively involved in informing residents about potential exposure risks, offering testing options for private well owners, and encouraging proactive measures in municipalities that rely on vulnerable aquifers.

The department collaborates with other government entities to keep PFAS below newly established thresholds. In April 2024, the EPA finalized enforceable maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for six PFAS types. New Mexico is now aligning its regulatory framework with those federal standards. Some local rulemaking processes aim to reduce PFAS in consumer products, firefighting foams, and industrial waste streams.

Legal disputes with the U.S. Department of Defense

Litigation has underscored New Mexico’s stance on PFAS contaminants originating from federal facilities. Disputes with the U.S. Department of Defense have primarily centered on past use of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) at Cannon and Holloman Air Force Bases. NMED argues that the federal government bears responsibility for cleanup costs and compensation for damages to local businesses, especially agricultural enterprises forced to deal with contaminated groundwater.

These legal actions shine a spotlight on how communities can seek remediation support. If you are following these lawsuits and believe your property or health has suffered as a result of the same contamination, you may find it helpful to stay informed as the legal developments unfold.

Emergency cleanup and testing programs

In recent years, New Mexico has invested in emergency response programs to tackle high-risk contamination sites. This includes grants to local water utilities for improved water treatment infrastructure, as well as short-term community relief funds. NMED’s emergency cleanup budgeting, fueled partly by federal allocations, targets immediate threats, such as severely contaminated private wells or dairies where PFAS levels exceed safety thresholds.

In addition, the state introduced outreach programs to encourage private well owners to utilize free or low-cost testing. After immediate risk sites are prioritized, NMED recommends that individuals remain vigilant by testing regularly, especially if living near industrial facilities or military bases with known PFAS usage. Where contamination is confirmed, advanced filtration methods such as granular activated carbon or reverse osmosis have shown promise.

Can you test your water or soil for PFAS in New Mexico?

Testing your own water or soil can affirm whether PFAS is reaching you or your family. Although public drinking water suppliers conduct tests, private well owners must often arrange their own sampling. In late 2024, the New Mexico Environment Department offered complimentary testing for households near Cannon Air Force Base. Spaces were limited, but additional rounds of testing or extended programs may become available.

If you live outside these priority zones, you can still go through a certified laboratory to test your water, soil, or both. These labs generally use EPA-approved methods designed to detect lower part-per-trillion levels. Costs may vary. However, some state or local grants help subsidize testing for certain qualified applicants. I recommend contacting NMED or your local extension office for up-to-date guidelines on how to pick the proper test or apply for assistance.

Do you qualify for a PFAS lawsuit in New Mexico?

Individuals who have experienced serious PFAS-related health issues or economic losses sometimes pursue legal action against manufacturers, military entities, or other responsible corporations. I have seen such lawsuits focus on groundwater contamination involving firefighting foams, industrial discharges, specialized chemicals from factories, or improper waste disposal. Lawyers who specialize in PFAS cases typically look for evidence connecting a particular source of PFAS to your exposure. For commercial farmers, financial damages might include lost produce sales or culling livestock exposed to tainted water.

If you suspect that your health problems or property losses stem from PFAS pollution, you may wish to consult an attorney with a track record in environmental law or toxic injury cases. To learn more about current PFAS lawsuits and how you might file a claim, you can visit the Legal Claim Assistant resource hub: PFAS Lawsuit.

Why choose Legal Claim Assistant

I recognize that dealing with complicated chemical exposures can be overwhelming. Legal Claim Assistant aims to connect those who have been harmed by PFAS to attorneys experienced in toxic torts. This support may include help with gathering documentation, clarifying your legal options, and evaluating the strength of potential claims. With PFAS litigation on the rise, working with a knowledgeable team can save you time and stress, especially when statutes of limitation come into play.

By visiting the Legal Claim Assistant website, you can also explore related topics such as the DuPont lawsuit or other water contamination cases. Choosing the right legal partner can significantly affect your outcome, from achieving settlements to compelling polluters to fund comprehensive cleanup efforts.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

PFAS contamination in New Mexico prompts many questions, especially around water testing, exposure risks, and legal recourse. Below are some of the most common concerns I have encountered, along with fact-based responses.