PFAS in Drinking Water in Wyoming
What residents of Wyoming need to know about PFAS ("forever chemicals") in drinking water — including contamination sources, which utilities have documented violations, and how to filter PFAS from tap water.
Source: EPA SDWIS, Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality, CDC · Last reviewed: 2025-01-01
Quick Answer
Is PFAS in drinking water a real concern in Wyoming?
PFAS contamination in Wyoming is primarily linked to F.E. Warren AFB near Cheyenne — an intercontinental ballistic missile base with documented AFFF use — and fire training activities at Wyoming's regional airports. F.E. Warren AFB has the oldest missile complex in the Air Force and has used AFFF for decades, with documented contamination in the Cheyenne area's groundwater.
Where does PFAS come from in Wyoming?
F.E. Warren AFB in Laramie County near Cheyenne is Wyoming's primary military PFAS source. AFFF from fire suppression and training at this ICBM base has contaminated surrounding groundwater. Wyoming's largely rural, groundwater-dependent character means PFAS contamination can affect communities with limited regulatory oversight and few alternative water sources.
What should Wyoming residents know?
Cheyenne area residents near F.E. Warren AFB should verify their utility's PFAS monitoring data. Wyoming DEQ has conducted PFAS monitoring under UCMR5. Wyoming's significant private well population across agricultural and energy-producing regions has no regulatory PFAS protection and should consider independent testing.
Key Facts
| EPA MCL (PFOA/PFOS) | 4 ppt — effective April 2024 |
| MCLG | Zero |
| Primary contamination source | F.E. Warren AFB (Laramie County/Cheyenne) — ICBM base with AFFF contamination history |
| Energy sector concern | Oil, gas, and coal operations use industrial fire suppression — potential additional PFAS sources |
| State regulator | Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) |
| Health effects | Cancer (kidney, testicular), thyroid disruption, immune effects, developmental toxicity |
| Effective treatment | Reverse osmosis (NSF/ANSI 58) or granular activated carbon |
Why PFAS Matters in Wyoming
F.E. Warren AFB — the Air Force's oldest active installation and home to Minuteman III ICBM squadrons — has documented AFFF use and groundwater monitoring in the Cheyenne area. Wyoming's water supply relies heavily on groundwater across most of the state outside the Cheyenne metro, and small rural water systems may face significant resource challenges implementing treatment under the new EPA MCL. Wyoming's energy sector (oil, gas, coal) has its own water quality concerns, and PFAS from industrial fire suppression systems used in these operations adds another layer of concern for rural communities.
Wyoming PFAS Regulation
Wyoming DEQ participates in UCMR5 monitoring for large systems. F.E. Warren AFB near Cheyenne is the primary PFAS assessment site, with AFFF contamination documented in the Laramie County groundwater. Wyoming's rural character and small water system infrastructure means many residents may have limited visibility into PFAS testing results. Wyoming follows the federal MCL with no additional state standard.
Largest Wyoming Water Utilities
No PFAS violations on record in EPA SDWIS for Wyoming utilities in our database. Browse the largest utilities to review their full water quality record.
What Are PFAS (“Forever Chemicals”)?
PFAS are a family of over 12,000 synthetic chemicals used in non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, food packaging, and AFFF firefighting foam. Their carbon-fluorine bonds do not break down in the environment or the body — hence the name “forever chemicals.” AFFF used at military bases is the single largest source of PFAS in U.S. drinking water.
Full PFAS overview — national data, health effects, all 50 statesWho Should Pay Closest Attention
Cheyenne and Laramie County communities near F.E. Warren AFB, private well users in rural Wyoming near any industrial facility or fire training area, and small rural water system users across the state face varying levels of PFAS risk. Wyoming's energy sector workers and communities near oil and gas operations should be aware of industrial PFAS sources from fire suppression systems.
Residents near military bases with AFFF use history
Private well owners near military or industrial sites
Pregnant residents and families with young children
Residents in communities with documented PFAS detections
Anyone who has consumed water above 4 ppt for an extended period
Residents near airports, fire training areas, or industrial manufacturers
How to Check Your Situation in Wyoming
- 1
Identify your water utility using the ZIP lookup below or by browsing the Wyoming utility directory on this site.
- 2
Review your utility's Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) — it must report PFAS monitoring results under UCMR5 and the new MCL.
- 3
Check the EPA's ECHO database for your utility's monitoring history. Look for PFAS, PFOA, PFOS, and related compound results.
- 4
Contact your utility directly and ask for their most recent PFAS test results and whether they are implementing treatment under the 2024 MCL.
- 5
If you use a private well near a military base, airport, or industrial facility, order a PFAS panel test from a state-certified laboratory. Tests typically cost $150–$400.
- 6
If PFAS is detected above 4 ppt in your source water, install a certified NSF/ANSI 58 reverse osmosis system or an NSF/ANSI 53-certified activated carbon filter rated for PFAS removal.
How to Remove PFAS from Tap Water
Reverse Osmosis (Best)
90–99% removal — NSF/ANSI 58 certified systems only
Certified Activated Carbon
Effective with NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 certification — verify before buying
Boiling concentrates PFAS. Standard pitcher filters and water softeners do not remove PFAS. Always verify NSF certification before purchasing.
Take Action Now
Look up your Wyoming utility's PFAS monitoring history on the PFAS Watchlist below.
If your utility has detected PFAS above 4 ppt, install an NSF/ANSI 58-certified reverse osmosis system at your drinking tap.
Private well owners near military or industrial sites should order a PFAS panel test ($150–$400 at a state-certified lab).
Request your utility's most recent Consumer Confidence Report — PFAS results must be disclosed under the new 2024 MCL.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Pages
PFAS — National Overview
All U.S. utilities with PFAS records
Wyoming PFAS Watchlist
Live utility PFAS monitoring data
Wyoming State Overview
All utilities and water quality data
Reverse Osmosis Guide
Removes 90–99% of PFAS
Activated Carbon Filter Guide
NSF/ANSI 53/58 certified options for PFAS
Arsenic in Drinking Water
Another priority contaminant
All Contaminants
Complete reference library
Data Sources & Provenance
All data on this page is sourced from official U.S. government or public datasets.
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Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality ↗