Seven wells tested above advisory level

Of 100 Whidbey wells tested so far, seven have levels of a potentially toxic chemical in excess of the EPA’s lifetime health advisory level, the Navy announced Tuesday.

The Navy has been testing drinking water samples from private residence wells in the areas surrounding Ault Field and Outlying Field Coupeville properties for a chemical found in a kind of firefighting foam used on airplane fires.

A total of 127 samples were taken and sent for testing. Out of the 100 preliminary results received so far, seven preliminary results are above EPA lifetime health advisory level established for two specific PFA, perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA).

Out of the results received, 56 came from properties near OLF Coupeville and out of those, six results were above the EPA lifetime health advisory.

The remaining 44 samples received were from areas near Ault Field. One sample tested above the lifetime health advisory.

The Navy continues to provide drinking water to affected residents while test results are being validated. Property owners will be notified by the Navy as their results become validated, according to the release.

The Navy urges anyone who has been contacted for water testing to respond as soon as possible.