Farm Wells and PFAS Vulnerability
Agricultural wells drawing from groundwater aquifers impacted by PFAS can contaminate irrigation water, livestock water, and farm worker drinking water. PFAS in farm water creates risks for both food safety and human health that require systematic assessment.
PFAS Sources Affecting Agricultural Wells
Biosolid application, military base proximity, airfield operations, and industrial discharges are the primary PFAS contamination pathways for agricultural groundwater. Shallow aquifers with high recharge rates are most vulnerable to PFAS infiltration from surface sources.
Testing and Risk Assessment
State agriculture departments and extension services increasingly offer PFAS well water testing to farmers. A comprehensive farm water PFAS assessment includes the well itself, any surface water irrigation sources, and soil testing in fields receiving biosolid applications.
Treatment and Alternative Water Options
Farm wells with PFAS above food safety thresholds may require treatment before use for livestock or food crop irrigation. Granular activated carbon systems sized for agricultural flow rates, municipal water connection, and alternative deep well drilling are remediation options depending on site-specific conditions.