Public Meetings To Address Water Contamination In Warminster

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, May 24 from 5 to 7p.m. and Wednesday, May 25 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Horsham Township Community Center, 1025 Horsham Road.

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 update residents on actions taken to address the issue.

"These sessions will be held in an Open House format with multiple information displays staffed by the various agency representatives, who will be available to talk one-on-one with residents and answer questions about PFOA and PFOS," according to information posted on Horsham Township's website.

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.

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