PFAS Filtration: Airway Heights & Medical Lake

Water in Airway Heights & Medical Lake at a Glance

The West Plains has a water history the rest of the region doesn't. In 2017, PFAS from firefighting foam used at Fairchild Air Force Base was found above EPA health advisory levels in Airway Heights city wells and many nearby private wells. The city's water is now treated, but private well owners on the West Plains should test for PFAS. For drinking water, a certified reverse osmosis system at the kitchen tap is the most practical home defense.

Local Water Facts

Airway Heights	City wells; PFAS found 2017; carbon (GAC) treatment on the largest well since 2019
Medical Lake	City wells tested non-detect for PFOS/PFOA in 2017
Private wells	Air Force sampled 369 wells; 90 were above the EPA health advisory (as of Jan 2019)
Phone	(509) 286-1223

Last reviewed October 2026. Sources listed below.

PFAS on the West Plains: what happened

In May 2017, Air Force sampling found PFOS and PFOA (two PFAS "forever chemicals") above the EPA's lifetime health advisory in two wells that supplied Airway Heights. The source was firefighting foam used at Fairchild Air Force Base. The city shut down the affected wells and connected to City of Spokane water while it worked on treatment.

Since 2019, a granular activated carbon (GAC) treatment system has filtered the city's largest well, Well No. 9. In 2026 the city moved to bring a certified operator on for that system. The CDC's ATSDR assessment reported the city's public supply meets the EPA's 2016 health advisory.

Private wells were hit harder. By January 2019 the Air Force had sampled 369 drinking water wells around the base, and 90 were above the health advisory. Shallow wells generally tested higher than deep ones.

Medical Lake tested its two city wells as a precaution in 2017, and both came back non-detect for PFOS and PFOA.

What we usually recommend on the West Plains

PFAS concern, city water or well: reverse osmosis at the kitchen tap, choosing a system certified for PFOA/PFOS reduction. See our PFAS guide for Spokane.
Private well: test for PFAS at a certified lab along with bacteria, nitrate, iron and hardness before choosing equipment.
Hard water: a softener where testing shows it's needed.

Learn More

Airway Heights & Medical Lake Water Questions

Common questions we hear from homeowners in these communities

Is Airway Heights water safe to drink now?

Airway Heights treats its largest well with a granular activated carbon system installed in 2019, and the CDC's ATSDR reported the public supply meets the EPA's 2016 PFAS health advisory. Check the city's latest annual water quality report for current results. Many residents still add reverse osmosis at the kitchen tap for extra protection.

Does reverse osmosis remove PFAS?

Reverse osmosis is one of the most effective home treatments for PFOA and PFOS. Choose a system certified for PFOA/PFOS reduction, and replace filters and membranes on schedule.

I have a private well near Fairchild. What should I do?

Test for PFAS at a certified lab. Air Force sampling found 90 of 369 wells above the EPA health advisory as of 2019, with shallow wells generally higher. Once you have results, we can recommend treatment.

Was Medical Lake affected by PFAS?

Medical Lake's two city wells tested non-detect for PFOS and PFOA when sampled in 2017. Private wells in the area should be tested individually.