River Run Network Bike Ride: PFAS in the Santa Cruz River
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When: Thursday, March 28, 2024 | 4:00pm - 6:00pm
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Where: From Tucson Heritage Santa Cruz Site to PFAS Treatment Plant
Register here
Dive into the heart of Tucson's environmental stewardship on a bike ride that brings our community together for a cause that touches us all – the health of our waters. Join Watershed Management Group's River Run Network for an enlightening journey that pedals from awareness to action in the fight against PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) contamination in the Santa Cruz River.
Why This Matters:
The issue of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) contamination in water supplies has emerged as a pressing environmental and public health concern across the United States, including Tucson, Arizona. These "forever chemicals," used in everything from cookware to firefighting foam, are notorious for their persistence in the environment and their potential to cause serious health issues, such as cancer, thyroid disease, and developmental delays in children.
In Tucson, the discovery of PFAS in groundwater near Tucson International Airport and Davis-Monthan Air Force Base has prompted significant action. The contamination, primarily attributed to the use of PFAS-containing firefighting foam, has affected water sources, necessitating an urgent response from local water authorities. Tucson Water has taken a proactive stance, investing millions in testing, treating, and managing PFAS contamination to ensure the safety of the community's water supply.
The city's efforts to combat PFAS pollution include the establishment of advanced treatment facilities capable of removing these chemicals from affected water sources. Through a combination of activated carbon filtration and other innovative treatment methods, Tucson Water has managed to reduce PFAS levels to non-detectable or safe levels, ensuring that the water released back into the Santa Cruz River is clean and safe for the ecosystem and the community.
What to Expect:
- Expert Insights: Hear directly from Tucson Water's Director, John Kmieck, and dedicated staff about the cutting-edge treatment processes turning the tide on PFAS, making our river waters safe once again.
- Scenic Learning: Experience the beauty of The Loop and the revitalization of the Santa Cruz River through the lens of environmental science and community effort.
- Connection & Community: A 5-mile round-trip bike ride with like-minded individuals is good for the brain and body both.
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Be Part of the Solution:
Your participation shines a light on the importance of clean water initiatives and the power of community-driven action. Together, we can navigate towards a future where our rivers flow free of PFAS contamination, and our actions inspire change that ripples through our environment and beyond.
Join us on this ride for clean water, education, and community engagement. Let's pedal together towards a cleaner, safer Tucson.
--> Register for the bike ride here <--
(Read more about PFAS here)
