Airway Heights water is safe for consumption

The water in Airway Heights is safe to drink again.

During a June 8 press conference, City Manager Albert Tripp announced staff received the third round of test results for perfluoro chemical contamination. Twenty of the 21 samples that were sent to Anatek Labs on Monday, June 5, tested non-detect or below the 70 parts per trillion Environmental Health Advisory levels. At the recommendation of the state Health Department, city officials lifted its water restriction advising residents and businesses to not use city water for consumption.

The sample that tested above advisory levels was from the industrial area that was isolated and shut off from the rest of the system.

This ends the 23-day period where the city advised residents not to consume the city’s water — an action resulting from the May 16 announcement that two wells in Airway Heights wells tested above 70 ppt for perfluoro chemicals. During that time, the Public Works Department flushed approximately 33 million gallons of contaminated water.

During that time period, Airway Heights and Fairchild Air Force Base distributed over 140,000 gallons of bottled water to affected residents. Several businesses and private donors gave water to the city too. The distribution site was closed at 10 p.m.

“It’s been humbling to see the outpouring of support,” Tripp said. He also thanked the businesses and residents for their patience.

Going forward, Tripp said the city will continue to keep the contaminated area off the city’s water system until staff can remove the chemicals. Staff will continue to test the city’s water for perfluoro contamination in the next several months.

Staff will also explore potential long-term solutions, including possibly connecting to a different aquifer. One of the partners in the city’s efforts will be Fairchild, which Tripp said was a great partner to work with during the water situation.

Al Stover can be reached at [email protected].