Welcome to the Joint Base Lewis-McChord PFAS information site. We are providing this information for you to learn more about how the Army is addressing PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) at JBLM. For more information, call the JBLM Public Works Restoration Program Division at 253-377-1421 or send an email. This PFAS information site is evolving and will be updated as new information becomes available.
RESOURCES
Joint Base Lewis-McChord is actively investigating the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on and near the installation. These substances, commonly associated with firefighting foam (AFFF) used since the 1970s, as well as everyday household products, have been detected in groundwater at JBLM.
To ensure the safety of drinking water for service members, families and surrounding communities, JBLM is working closely with the U.S. Army Environmental Command, regulatory agencies, and contractors to assess the potential impacts of PFAS. This includes testing private and public water supply wells near the installation and sharing results with affected parties.
The Army follows the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) process to investigate and address PFAS concerns. This includes taking appropriate action if drinking water is found to exceed Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) health advisory levels. JBLM remains committed to transparent communication and collaboration with the community and stakeholders to address this issue effectively.
Media inquiries should contact the JBLM Public Affairs office at 253-967-0148 or via email at usarmy.jblm.id-readiness.mbx.pao-public@army.mil.
RELATED DOCUMENTS
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
What is PFAS?
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) refers to a class of man-made chemicals in commerce, including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS) and more. PFOA and PFOS are the most extensively studied and historically the most widely-used throughout the U.S. Click here for more.
What is the history of PFAS at JBLM?
PFAS is an emerging chemical of concern. Beginning in the 1950s, common use of PFAS have been in heat-, stain-, grease- and water-resistant products, such as carpets, clothing, upholstery fabrics, paper packaging for food, and cookware. PFAS have also been part of the chemical makeup of aqueous film forming foam, an important product used by military and civilian firefighting units since 1970 to suppress fuel fires.
Is JBLM's drinking water safe?
The Army continues to show drinking water supplied by installation wells is below DOD policy thresholds. Testing of JBLM supplied water will continue into the future. Most of JBLM's drinking water is produced from groundwater sources that are derived and naturally filtered by aquifers. Click on the link to see JBLM's Water Quality Report.
How do we know if the drinking water off JBLM is safe?
Neighbors who are served by an off-base water supplier can contact their water supplier for a copy of the Water Quality Report, which provides detailed information about sampling efforts and any substances detected in water. Contact your local provider for more information.
What does 1 part per trillion mean?
1 part per trillion (ppt) is equivalent to a single drop of water in 20 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
USEFUL LINKS
PFAS-Related Links
POINTS OF CONTACT
RELATED NEWS
PFAS-RELATED NEWS
- October 2024 -- JBLM Drinking Water Report
- August 2020 -- JBLM Site Inspection Report