Navy Initiates Water Testing for PFAS Near Chesapeake’s Northwest Annex
Residents near the Northwest Annex in Chesapeake, Virginia, are being urged by the Navy to have their drinking water wells tested for synthetic chemicals known as PFAS. These substances have been extensively used for their water-repellent and stain-resistant properties in consumer and industrial products over the years.
The testing targets per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which persist in the environment. To address historical PFAS contamination at its facilities, the Navy, along with the Department of Defense, has implemented policies nationwide.
Groundwater contamination at the Northwest Annex, resulting from past firefighting foam activities, has necessitated sampling in nearby areas to assess the extent of PFAS presence in drinking water wells.
The Northwest Annex hosts various operations supporting the Navy, the U.S. Coast Guard, Homeland Security, the Marine Corps, and NATO, and includes the largest small-arms range in the Navy Region Mid-Atlantic.
In 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency updated PFAS standards under the Safe Water Drinking Act. Concurrently, the Department of Defense outlined priorities for PFAS cleanup efforts, focusing on private wells affected by military operations.
PFAS exposure has been associated with health risks such as cancers (prostate, kidney, testicular), reduced fertility, developmental issues in children, and weakened immune function, according to the EPA.
Earlier tests in 2019 near the Northwest Annex showed no contamination levels requiring action, as reported by the Environmental Restoration Program. However, with new standards, the Navy has resumed testing within a mile of the site, including homes previously tested. A residence from 2019 has already been identified as needing a permanent solution.
Similar assessments have been offered near the St. Juliens Creek Annex in Chesapeake.
Residents can schedule a test and verify eligibility by contacting 833-692-6639. Additional details are available here.
Preliminary results are expected within 30 days post-collection. Should contamination levels exceed 70 parts per trillion, the Navy will collaborate with homeowners to implement solutions such as water treatment systems.
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