The New Mexico state environment department Monday announced free filters and water testing for residents in La Cienega and La Cieneguilla, two Santa Fe County communities where toxic chemicals have been identified in the groundwater.

Specifically, a report by research firm INTERA found that one in three parcels in both areas showed PFAS contamination in the underlying groundwater, with 169 parcels showing contamination above Environmental Protection Agency drinking water standards, a New Mexico Environment Department news release said. Total PFAS levels were found to be as high as 800 parts per trillion, which is more than 200 times the federal drinking water standard of 4 parts per trillion set for perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), two of the many PFAS compounds. The source of the contamination and solutions for cleaning the groundwater remain under investigation, the department said.

PFAS (per and poly fluoroalkyl substances), so-called “forever chemicals” are a class of synthetic chemicals used in the manufacture of everything from rugs to cookware to firefighting foams. Exposure through contaminated water and soil, as well as through the plants and animals, cause PFAS to build up in the human body. While still being studied, PFAS exposure is linked to increased cancer risks, fertility issues, low birth weights or fetal development issues, hormonal imbalances and limiting vaccine effectiveness.

Environment Secretary James Kenney said the state had funded the study and contracted with TLC Plumbing to install the filters in residents’ homes. “If your private well water exceeds PFAS drinking water standards, installing a filter in your home is the best way for residents to protect themselves from these chemicals, which can lead to health issues,” Kenney said in a statement.

La Cienega and La Cieneguilla are the latest communities working with the state to counter exposure to PFAS. NMED last month announced that approximately 100 homes in Curry County would be receiving a new water source to lessen their exposure to toxic PFAS in their drinking wells from nearby Cannon Air Force Base.

The state has also kicked off the rulemaking process for a new law that requires labeling for some intentionally added PFAS to certain consumer products, and an eventual ban of them.

NMED also will host an open house at the La Cienega Community Center Nov. 15, and intends to attend the community’s own town hall on PFAS this week.

“Environmental justice has long been a concern for La Cieneguilla and surrounding area residents and now our highest priority is to assure that households and agriculture can return to having clean and healthy water,” Santa Fe County Commissioner Camilla Bustamante said in a statement. “I am grateful that Secretary Kenney has assured support in holding the sources of this contamination accountable. Be assured that together we will identify the most effective long-term strategies to return and protect the quality of our waters.”