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By Tierna Unruh-Enos, City Desk | Two statewide studies released findings that PFAS — which stands for poly-fluoroalkyl substances — chemicals have been detected in groundwater and surface water resources across New Mexico. The study, conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) found urban areas — like Albuquerque — are the most significant contributor.
After discovering that populated areas contribute the highest PFAS levels to surface water statewide, a follow-up USGS study was conducted to examine the water quality in the Rio Grande as it flows through Albuquerque. In the second recently published article, scientists found an increase of PFAS in the Rio Grande as it flows through the Albuquerque urban area.