The Village of Tijeras was forced to open a secondary water well that was previously contaminated with PFAS due to the primary well needing repair. The Village of Tijeras is informing residents that Water Well 3 is being reopened after its primary well unexpectedly went offline.
Precautions
Earlier this year, Mayor Jake Bruton called for Well 3 to be closed after PFAS sampling showed contamination. The well was only brought online to maintain basic water services. The Village of Tijeras suggests that the water may continue to be used for bathing, showering, handwashing, laundry, dishwashing, sanitation, and other household purposes. PFAS are not readily absorbed through the skin, so these activities are not considered a significant source of exposure.
As an added precaution, customers who wish to minimize PFAS exposure may choose to use bottled water for drinking, preparing infant formula, cooking, making beverages, brushing teeth, and food preparation until Well 1 has been repaired and Well 3 is taken back offline. PFAS are known as ‘forever chemicals’ and were widely used throughout the 1950s to help products resist heat and stains. High consumption or exposure can lead to weakened immune systems, decreased fertility, and cancer.
Well 3 will be immediately taken offline as soon as Well 1 is restored.
Original reporting: KOAT Albuquerque — read the source article.
