The Veneto region has an abundance of natural water sources that includes plenty of well water, which many people use as their primary drinking source. However, according to recent media reports, those who drink well water in parts of the Veneto are...
The Veneto region has an abundance of natural water sources that includes plenty of well water, which many people use as their primary drinking source. However, according to recent media reports, those who drink well water in parts of the Veneto area may be consuming excessive levels of potentially hazardous chemicals.
Several Italian media outlets have reported recently that well water in 31 municipalities in four regional provinces including locales where members of the Vicenza Military Community live, contain elevated levels of perfluoroalkylated substances (PFAS).
Known in the United States as perfluorooctane sulfonate and perfluorooctanoic acid, these chemicals are used in a wide variety of industrial and commercial products such as textiles and leather products, firefighting foams, cleaning products and pesticides.
The reports have indicated the majority the contaminant has been found from surface water to depths of relatively shallow wells 12 to 15 meters (40-50 ft.) deep. Testing is still being conducted to determine how significant the levels of contamination are or the amount of concentration in the ground water.
While those drinking well water may be exposed to these chemicals, people who get water through the city should not have this issue.
"All government leased housing units and nearly all rental housing is on city water supplied by a recognized providers with meters," said Lew Smith, U.S. Army Garrison Italy chief of housing. Smith added that those companies have been contacted and they said they are using filters and the water is fit for drinking.
The wells providing water to Villaggio Housing and Caserma Ederle have been tested and found to be free of chemicals.
"Our water is safe", said Carlos Rivero-deAguilar, chief of Department of Public Work's Environmental Division. "Unlike private home wells, our wells are down to about 150 meters (or about 490 ft) and have not been affected by the contaminant." Rivero-deAgulilar added the water company Acque Vicentine has determined the water supply at Del Din also safe for drinking.
The health risks associated with long- term exposure to the chemicals are unknown. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, PFOS is considered an "emerging contaminant" a chemical or material that is characterized by a perceived, potential or real threat to human health or the environment or by a lack of published health standards.
A contaminant may also be "emerging" because a new source or a new pathway to humans has been discovered, or a new detection method or treatment technology has been developed.
Smith added that anyone who has access to only well water should contact the Housing Division Help Desk 637-7900/7902, and Housing will contact the landlord for testing.
More information on emerging contaminants PFOS and PFOA can be found on the EPA web site at http://go.usa.gov/cJcW5
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