LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Laughlin Air Force Base released its 2024 Annual Consumer Confidence Report, confirming that the installation's drinking water meets all regulatory safety standards and poses no health risks to base personnel and their families.
View full report here-https://www.laughlin.af.mil/Portals/11/2024%20Laughlin%20AFB%20Consumer%20Confidence%20Report.pdf
Laughlin purchases its drinking water from the City of Del Rio, which sources the water from San Felipe Springs, a surface water source located in Val Verde County, Texas. According to the report, the water system has received no violations related to monitoring and reporting requirements set by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
"We are committed to providing you with information because informed customers are our best allies," said Tech. Sgt. Orlando Franco, flight chief bioenvironmental engineering.
A significant highlight of the report addresses concerns about per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often called "forever chemicals." In November 2023, Laughlin AFB conducted comprehensive PFAS testing, with results showing all six PFAS compounds covered by EPA regulations were below Maximum Contaminant Levels.
The testing comes as the EPA implemented new federal PFAS drinking water regulations in April 2024, with a compliance deadline of April 2029. PFAS chemicals have been used in various industrial and consumer products since the 1940s, including fire-fighting foams commonly used at military installations.
While the report notes that drinking water meets EPA standards for arsenic, it acknowledges the presence of low levels of the mineral. However, water samples taken during 2022 showed no detectable levels of arsenic.
While the water system on base provides high-quality drinking water, lead exposure can occur from household plumbing materials. The report recommends flushing taps for 30 seconds to 2 minutes when water has been sitting for several hours.
The report includes special guidance for immunocompromised individuals, including cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, people with HIV/AIDS, elderly residents, and infants. These populations are advised to consult healthcare providers about drinking water precautions.
Base residents can address water quality concerns through the ICE comment system at ice.disa.mil or by contacting the Bioenvironmental Engineering Flight at (830) 298-6859.
Emergency water issues such as leaks or main breaks can be reported to the CE 24 Hour Help Desk at (830) 298-5488.
The Department of Defense has been proactively testing drinking water for PFAS compounds at all DoD-owned and operated water systems since 2017, well before the new EPA regulations took effect.
Laughlin AFB will continue periodic resampling as required by federal and state regulations to ensure ongoing compliance.