Public Notice: Tidewater Utilities test results of base water supply for PFOS/PFOA Published Sept. 16, 2021 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- The results of Tidewater Utilities testing of Dover Air Force Base’s drinking water supply for levels of perfluorooctanesulfonic (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic (PFOA) acids are below the EPA’s lifetime health advisory threshold of 70 parts per trillion (ppt). The April 2021 testing results for PFOS and PFOA were non-detectable (less than 2.0 ppt). PFOS and PFOA are compounds used in a wide array of commercial and industrial applications including food wrappers, stain-resistant fabric and in firefighting foam used by military and civilian aviation. The Air Force began using Aqueous Film Forming Foam in the 1970s to combat petroleum-based fires, such as those of burning aircraft. In 2015, the Air Force launched a comprehensive approach to identify, respond to, and prevent drinking water impacts from PFOS and PFOA that might be associated with Dover AFB’s firefighting mission. Dover AFB is one of 203 installations where the Air Force Civil Engineer Center is conducting its investigation, following the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act process. The Air Force replaced PFOS-based AFFF and other legacy products with a formula that meets EPA guidelines in 2017. Additionally, the Air Force changed its emergency training and response procedures to reduce the risk of contamination from mission activities. For more information on the Air Force response or additional information on the Air Force’s response to PFOS and PFOA please visit http://www.afcec.af.mil/WhatWeDo/Environment/Perfluorinated-Compounds/ or contact Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center Public Affairs at (866) 725-7617, or email afimsc.pa.workflow@us.af.mil.