Drinking Water and the Military: Examining the Health Risks and Legal Challenges of Military Base Contamination

Access to clean and safe drinking water is a fundamental human right. Still, for many military personnel and their families, this right has been compromised by environmental contamination. 

Military base contamination is a serious issue linked to various health problems, including cancer, congenital disabilities, and other illnesses. According to a report in The Guardian, new testing by the Department of Defense has uncovered high levels of toxic PFAS in water supplies near at least 12 military bases, causing concern among public health advocates that the DoD isn't taking sufficient measures to safeguard the public. 

The DoD is persistently conducting sampling at affected sites located outside the bases and widening its sampling scope to discover and pinpoint areas with confirmed or potential PFAS hazards.

Despite efforts to address the problem, legal challenges and limited resources have made it difficult for victims to seek compensation and hold polluters accountable. 

This article will examine the health risks and legal challenges associated with military base contamination, as well as efforts to address the problem and recommendations for the future.

Military Bases and Water Contamination

Military base contamination is a growing concern that has significant health risks associated with it. Many military bases across the world have been found to have high levels of toxic chemicals in their drinking water, including solvents, pesticides, and heavy metals. 

Unfortunately, military personnel and their families are often exposed to these contaminants over long periods, leading to a greater risk of chronic health conditions. 

Military Times, in a report, states that according to an internal study by the Department of Defense, around 175,000 service members are being exposed to cancer-causing chemicals and other harmful substances through the drinking water at 24 installations every year. 

The Environmental Working Group made the report public last December, which showed that water samples collected from all the bases contained per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) at levels above the EPA's former safety threshold of 70 parts-per-trillion. The agency later revised its safety standard to 1 part per trillion, as pointed out by the group.

The issue has prompted several lawsuits against the government and military contractors, but seeking compensation and holding polluters accountable remains a significant challenge.

The History of Military Base Contamination

The history of military base contamination is a complex and ongoing issue. Many military bases were established decades ago, and during that time, environmental regulations were not as stringent as they are today. 

The use of chemicals, solvents, and fuels in military operations has contributed to soil and groundwater contamination. One of the most well-known cases is the Camp Lejeune water contamination, which spanned from the 1950s to the 1980s. 

The National Library of Medicine states that the contamination at Camp Lejeune was caused by leaking underground storage tanks that released toxic chemicals into the drinking water. It was not until the 1990s that the contamination was discovered, and efforts to address the problem were slow to follow. The response from the military and government has been criticized for being inadequate and for failing to protect the health and well-being of military personnel and their families. 

The Camp Lejeune case exemplifies the ongoing challenges of military base contamination and the need for stronger regulations and accountability.

Health Risks of Military Base Contamination

Exposure to toxic chemicals in drinking water poses a range of serious health risks, including cancer, congenital disabilities, and other illnesses. The chemicals found in contaminated water at military bases, such as trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE), have been linked to a higher risk of certain cancers, such as leukemia, lymphoma, and bladder cancer. 

They can also cause neurological disorders, reproductive issues, and developmental delays in children. Pregnant women exposed to these chemicals may experience adverse birth outcomes, including premature birth and congenital disabilities. The long-term effects of exposure can be severe and may lead to chronic health conditions. 

Legal Challenges of Military Base Contamination

Victims of military base contamination face numerous legal challenges in seeking compensation and holding polluters accountable. The legal system can be complex and challenging, with high standards of proof required to establish causation between exposure and illness. 

In addition, the government often enjoys sovereign immunity, which can make it difficult to hold them accountable for damages caused by contamination. 

The Camp Lejeune lawsuit is an example of the challenges faced by victims seeking compensation for environmental exposure. It took years for the case to be heard in court, and even then, the settlement did not provide full compensation for all victims.

TorHoerman Law, LLC (THL), a law firm handling the Camp Lejeune cases, states that between 1953 and 1987, more than one million individuals who were stationed at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina may have been subjected to hazardous substances in the water. The law firm further adds that If you resided or worked at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina for 30 days or more between August 1953 and December 1987, you may meet the requirements to be eligible for the Camp Lejeune lawsuit.

The legal challenges associated with military base contamination highlight the need for stronger environmental regulations, greater transparency and accountability, and legal mechanisms to hold polluters responsible for their actions.

Efforts to Address the Problem

Efforts are being made to address the problem of military base contamination and provide safe drinking water to affected communities. The government and military have taken steps to identify and remediate contaminated sites, such as Camp Lejeune, and to improve their environmental management practices. 

Advocacy groups and community organizations have also played a critical role in raising awareness about the issue and advocating for stronger regulations and accountability. Some communities have established their water filtration systems or advocated for access to clean water sources. 

However, more needs to be done to address the ongoing health risks faced by those affected by military base contamination and to ensure that communities have access to safe drinking water.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the issue of drinking water contamination in military bases poses significant health risks to military personnel and their families, as well as surrounding communities. The military has been grappling with this issue for decades, and while progress has been made in identifying and addressing contaminants, there is still much work to be done. 

Legal challenges, including the lack of regulatory standards and the difficulty in holding the military accountable for contamination, have made it difficult to provide justice and compensation to those affected. As such, it is crucial that the military takes proactive steps to prevent contamination and ensure the safety of its personnel and surrounding communities. 

Additionally, more research and funding are needed better to understand the long-term health effects of exposure to contaminants and to develop effective treatments for those affected