Proactive PFAS strategy will examine surface water and groundwater at high priority sites

PHOENIX (June 5, 2025) — The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) received $5 million from Governor Katie Hobbs through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to expand its statewide efforts to investigate and reduce per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination in Arizona’s environment.

This critical funding allows ADEQ to expand PFAS monitoring, assess treatment options and provide timely information to Arizonans — furthering the state’s commitment to protecting public health and Arizona’s vital water resources, said ADEQ Director Karen Peters.

These ARPA funds will further ADEQ’s proactive PFAS strategy through a multi-media sampling and testing initiative focused on:

• Groundwater at six high priority sites,
• Surface water, and
• Fish tissue.

ADEQ identified the six high priority sites for groundwater testing using data ADEQ collected from every Water Quality Assurance Revolving Fund (WQARF) site with confirmed groundwater contamination between 2022 and 2024. Sites were selected based on multiple factors including PFAS concentrations and proximity to vital drinking water sources. ADEQ will conduct the following activities at each of the six sites:

• Sample and test up to 20 existing groundwater monitoring wells,
• Install four new groundwater monitoring wells,
• Perform follow-up groundwater sampling, testing and complete site-specific investigation reports, and
• Conduct community outreach activities, including hosting community meetings.

This initiative builds on the success of Arizona’s $5 million investment in 2023, allocated by Governor Katie Hobbs and the Arizona Legislature. That funding focused on statewide testing of small public drinking water systems to identify and reduce Arizonans’ exposure to PFAS and positioned Arizona as a national leader in addressing these contaminants. Results tied to the $5 million allocated in 2023 include:

• 100 percent of Phase one testing is complete, covering initial statewide testing of small, rural public water systems (PWS).
• 94 percent of Phase two follow-up testing is complete, with full project completion expected by October 2025.
• 99 percent of participating PWS have used the PFAS testing data towards meeting EPA initial monitoring requirements.
• ADEQ PFAS mitigation efforts are helping small water systems interconnect with municipal providers such as:
  • Lil W Ranch, Houston Creek Park, and Pine View RV Park will interconnect with the Town of Star Valley’s PWS, addressing a nitrate exceedance at Lil W Ranch | Read More >
  • HAV Properties and August Hills MHP will interconnect with the City of Globe’s PWS | Read More >

PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals with fire-retardant properties manufactured and used by various industries since the 1940s. PFAS have been used in many industrial processes as well as to make products such as stain and water-resistant carpets and clothing, food packaging, and firefighting foam. Often called forever chemicals, PFAS are hard to break down and stick around in the environment and our bodies for a very long time. While scientific research into how PFAS affects human health is ongoing, exposure to PFAS has been linked to serious health effects, including certain cancers, immune system disruption, and developmental issues.

Background & Resources

• ADEQ PFAS Strategy | View >
• ADEQ PFAS Resources | View >
• Arizona Department of Health Services PFAS | View >

Contacts

ADEQ Public Information Officer
Ph: 602-540-8072 (cell)
Email >