Alternative Causes of Wide-Spread, Low Concentration Perchlorate Impacts to Groundwater
Abstract
The frequency of detection of perchlorate in groundwater and drinking water supplies has been steadily increasing since its initial identification as a chemical of concern in 1997. It is currently estimated that perchlorate is present in groundwater in at least 30 states and affects the drinking water supplies of more than 20 million people in the southwestern United States (U.S.). The source of perchlorate in water supplies has typically been attributed to U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), National Aeronautics & Space Administration (NASA) and/or defense contractor facilities that have used ammonium perchlorate (AP) in rocket and missile propellants. Perchlorate impacts to groundwater and surface waters in southern Nevada and southern California have also been attributed to the historic production and release of perchlorate from a former chemical manufacturing facility in the Las Vegas, Nevada area (Hogue, 2003), which has impacted the surface waters of Lake Mead and the Colorado River.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 05, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA435950
Entities
People
- Evan Cox