Lake Holloman, N.M. (Photo: Agencies)

The New Mexico Department of Health is warning people not to swim in or drink from Lake Holloman in southern New Mexico.

State officials say recent sampling showed high levels of hazardous chemicals known as per- and polyfluorinated compounds, or PFAS. Attorney General Hector Balderas on Thursday asked the US Air Force to close the lake to the public.

Fed by treated wastewater from Holloman Air Force Base, the lake already is off limits to swimming but state officials reiterated their warning saying people should wash their hands if they get water or foam from the lake on them.

They also warned pet owners to avoid letting their animals drink or come into contact with the water or foam.