News Summary
The U.S. Navy and Marine Corps are set to enhance testing of private drinking-water wells for PFAS around Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort. This free testing will occur from August 4 to August 15, targeting residents within a mile of the base. Due to previous contamination findings, the military now offers resources for residents with high PFAS levels, including bottled water and filtration systems. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to ensure public health and manage environmental risks associated with these ‘forever chemicals.’
Beaufort, South Carolina — The U.S. Navy and Marine Corps are expanding their efforts to test private drinking-water wells for PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in an area surrounding Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort. The free testing is scheduled from August 4 to August 15, 2025, for residents living within a designated zone approximately one mile from the base.
PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals,” are synthetic compounds that have been widely used in various applications, including firefighting foams. These substances are concerning due to their persistence in the environment and their potential to cause adverse health effects.
Recent testing has shown PFAS contamination in both the soil and groundwater at the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort. In previous assessments conducted in late 2022, concentrations exceeding 70 parts per trillion (ppt) were detected in the base’s groundwater, leading the military to implement measures to assess and mitigate the risk of contamination.
Under the new initiative, if testing reveals high PFAS levels in well samples, the Navy and Marine Corps will offer bottled water or install filtration systems free of charge for impacted residents. Results from the water samples are expected to be available within 30 days of the completion of testing.
The current round of testing follows the introduction of revised guidelines by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2024, which expanded the testing area. While most local residents receive water from the Beaufort Jasper Water and Sewer Authority—considered safe from PFAS contamination—those who use private wells are encouraged to participate in the testing program.
Residents wishing to schedule a water test can contact a dedicated hotline at 1-800-687-2560.
Health Risks Associated with PFAS
Current health research indicates that exposure to PFAS can be linked to several adverse health outcomes. These include decreased fertility, elevated blood pressure in pregnant women, low birth weight, and a higher risk of developing certain types of cancer, among other issues. The Department of Defense has recently updated its guidelines regarding PFAS by breaking down these substances into eight separate compounds, each with its own remediation benchmark.
Importance of the Testing Program
This initiative serves as a critical part of the Department of Defense’s broader strategy to address PFAS contamination resulting from military operations. The expansion of testing underscores the commitment to public health and safety within the community surrounding Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort.
Additionally, residents using treated water from the Beaufort Jasper Water and Sewer Authority do not need to partake in the testing process; however, they are encouraged to contact their local water authority with any concerns they may have regarding water quality.
As this marks the second round of PFAS testing efforts in the area—following earlier investigations in 2022 and 2023—the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps are determined to monitor and manage the potential risks associated with these environmental contaminants effectively.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
MCAS Beaufort Expands Testing for Drinking Water Contamination
Carl Kilpatrick Joins Beaufort-Jasper Water & Sewer Authority Board
Additional Resources
- WJCL: Navy Marine Corps Forever Chemicals Testing Beaufort
- Wikipedia: PFAS
- Post and Courier: Beaufort PFAS Marine Air Station
- Google Search: PFAS health effects
- Island Packet: Beaufort News
- Google Scholar: PFAS contamination
- NY Times: PFAS Bans for Clothing
- Encyclopedia Britannica: PFAS
- WCTI: Free Well Water Testing
- Google News: PFAS testing Beaufort
- SC Daily Gazette: Forever Chemicals in Private Wells
- WNCT: EPA Updates PFAS Map
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
