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SANTA FE, NM, March 30, 2026 — In 2024, Santa Fe County contracted with INTERA, an environmental and water resource consulting firm, to study the PFAS contamination in the communities of La Cienega and La Cieneguilla. The study was funded by a grant from the New Mexico Environment Department. Results and recommended next steps will be presented at the Board of County Commissioners meeting this Tuesday, March 31. A PDF copy of the report can be found on the County PFAS webpage.

PFAS stands for Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals.” They are widely used chemicals that break down slowly in the environment. The Army National Guard Aviation Support Facility, located in Santa Fe County, has disclosed positive test results for PFAS in groundwater collected at that location. 

This study reveals several key findings regarding the presence, movement, and source of PFAS in the communities of La Cienega and La Cieneguilla, including the following:

• The investigation revealed a difference in PFAS levels between the neighboring communities. Multiple domestic wells in La Cieneguilla exhibited PFAS levels that exceed the Environmental Protection Agency’s recommended thresholds for safe drinking water. Conversely, no PFAS were detected in samples collected from wells in La Cienega.
• A geologic groundwater divide exists between the two communities, which appears to have limited the migration of PFAS into La Cienega so far. 
• The study suggests that contamination comes from mixed sources.
• The study highlights areas where more information is needed to better understand the movement of PFAS. Future study is recommended and may include the installation of monitoring wells, groundwater and surface water sampling, and sediment analysis.

There are some steps residents can take now. The New Mexico Environment Department is providing Point-of-Use (POU) and Point-of-Entry (POE) water treatment systems for households in La Cieneguilla. To learn more, visit the State’s PFAS webpage. Residents of the affected communities who would like to have a filter installed or have their well tested should contact Andrew Hautzinger, Water Protection Division, Special Projects Coordinator, at the New Mexico Environment Department, at (505) 469-9064 or andrew.hautzinger@env.nm.gov. 

Santa Fe County is committed to supporting our community through this process and is actively prioritizing environmental stewardship to identify the best long-term options. Attend the March 31 meeting in person at 102 Grant Ave., or for instructions on how to watch online, visit the Santa Fe County Board of County Commissioners webpage. This meeting is not a public hearing, and the item is not noticed for public comment. The intent of the presentation to explain the findings of the PFAS study to date and determine next steps.

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