Water Contamination in Horsham, Warminster to Be Discussed at Two Forums This Week

Two public information sessions are scheduled this week to address perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) found in drinking water wells near the former Naval Air Base.

The public information sessions will be held Tuesday, Feb. 24 and Wednesday, Feb. 25 at the Horsham Township Community Center, 1025 Horsham Rd.

PFCs have been found at public and private drinking water wells near the Former Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base in Willow Grove and former Naval Air Warfare Center in Warminster. During the information sessions, officials are expected to give an update on actions taken to address the issue.

PFOS are perfluorinated compounds that are or were once used in a variety of consumer products, such as fire-fighting foam, stain and water repellants, paper products, the lining of microwave popcorn bags, floor wax and non-stick cookware. In laboratory animals, PFOS can cause developmental, reproductive and other adverse effects, according to the Horsham Water and Sewer Authority.

Representatives from the Navy will be joined by the Unites States Environmental Protection Agency, the Air Force, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Montgomery and Bucks County Health Departments and local water authorities.

The sessions will be an open house format with multiple information displays manned by the various agency representatives, who will be available to talk one-on-one with residents.

Residents are encouraged to attend either session; the presented information is the same at both sessions, according to information from the township.