Federal research shows PFAS contamination in Pecos River, throughout New Mexico

PFAS contamination was found in all major New Mexico rivers, including the Pecos River in the southeast region of the state where the CID irrigates from, according to a study by the U.S. Geological Survey released April 10.

The statewide study sampled 117 groundwater wells and 18 surface water units throughout the state from August 2020 to October 2021, finding the highest PFAS concentrations near populous urban areas like Albuquerque but noting the contamination’s presence even in rural areas like Carlsbad.

Contamination was detected at concentration ranging from 1 to 155.4 nanograms of PFAS at 27 groundwater sites, although no area exceeded federal standards.

Much of New Mexico’s PFAS concentrations come via the Rio Grande, which flows through Albuquerque, the study read, potentially picking up the chemicals from the urban area and distributing it around the state via tributaries like the Pecos.

A follow up study conducted by the USGS found PFAS concentrations in the Rio Grande were 10 times higher in areas downstream of the city, compared to samples take upstream before flowing through the populated areas.

Three sample areas were used along the Pecos, one near Puerto de Luna just south of Santa Rosa in northeast New Mexico along the headwaters, near Artesia about 30 miles north of Carlsbad and the furthest downstream site at Red Bluff near New Mexico’s southeast border with Texas.

As sampling moved south along the Pecos, or downstream of the more populated areas of New Mexico, PFAS concentrations rose, read the study. The study noted oil and gas extraction as a key source of PFAS contamination, along with textile production and electroplating used to coat items in metal.

Puerto de Luna had the fewest PFAS detections, the study read, with only one of seven samplings showing detectable levels at 2.8 nanograms per liter (ng/l), the report read, but worsening to up to 24.9 ng/l at the Artesia and Red Bluff sites.

“The second longest river sampled was the Pecos River, and samples collected there showed a similar progressive increase in PFAS downstream as observed in the Rio Grande samples,” the study read.

The data could help the New Mexico Environment Department better oversee industrial activities in the state, said Andy Jochems, NMED source water protection team lead.

“The comprehensive survey of New Mexico’s major rivers and evaluation of groundwater quality across the state is critical in helping NMED protect these valuable resources,” he said in a statement. “The science provided by the USGS helps us make informed decisions about our drinking water resources into the future.” 

New Mexico, feds look to clean up water contamination

The NMED and Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham recently petition the Environmental Protection Agency to list PFAS as federally hazardous materials, which the EPA did while also giving states more authority to research such contamination and fund cleanup.

At the federal level, the EPA recently enacted tougher drinking water standards nationwide, aiming to curb the growing problem of PFAS contamination in the U.S.

Through its National Primary Drinking Water Regulation for six PFAS chemicals, the EPA awarded New Mexico about $9.5 million to pay for testing and treatment of public water systems potentially contaminated.

EPA Administrator Michael Regan said PFAS were a widespread problem throughout the U.S. and the federal government sought to work with states like New Mexico clean up the contamination.

“Drinking water contaminated with PFAS has plagued communities across this country for too long,” Regan said. “That is why President (Joe) Biden has made tackling PFAS a top priority, investing historic resources to address these harmful chemicals and protect communities nationwide.”