A number of states are grappling on how to keep drinking water safe from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (“PFAS”) that were often contained in firefighting foam used on military bases. Some states have set up their own PFAS limits. However, the EPA has set an advisory level that differs from the one established by the states.
This difference gives the military room to avoid more stringent state limits. The presence of these cancer-related chemicals has been linked to military-used aqueous film-forming foams which are used to extinguish jet fuel and other liquid fires. Currently, the DoD is assessing PFAS use/release at 66 installations.