ROWLEY – The Rowley Water Department reports that water tested from Well #2 has shown slightly elevated levels of a regulated group of chemicals called PFAS.
The current regulations for PFAS public drinking water standard or Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), as published in 2020 by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), is 20 nanograms per liter (ng/L) or 20 parts per trillion (ppt).
During routine testing, Rowley Water Well #2 had a quarterly test result of 23 ppt, which is slightly above MassDEP’s standards.
PFAS is found in nearly all public water supplies across the country. PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are man-made and do not break down quickly. Scientific research on the adverse impact of PFAS on public health is evolving.
At this time Well #2, located on Haverhill Street, has been shut down and taken out of service until PFAS levels can be reduced to the current standard. Rowley's Water Treatment Plant has not been affected and is currently testing well below the standard 20 ppt. Test results for other wells, Wells #3 and #5 are well below both the current and future MCL.
The Rowley Water District will aggressively monitor and test the wells in town. The town is investigating long-term treatment options to reduce PFAS levels in the water supply.
What are PFAS?
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals that includes PFOA, PFOS and GenX chemicals. These chemicals have been manufactured and used in a variety of industries around the globe since the 1940s for stain-resistant, water-resistant and non-stick products.
These chemicals are often found in drinking water, but people are also exposed to the chemicals through consumer products and food. While the chemicals are often found in the environment and human body, prolonged exposure to certain PFAS can lead to adverse human health effects.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has set a new limit of 4 parts per trillion that will be enforced and reported to the public as of 2027. This regulation would cover four additional PFAS compounds.
Recent studies indicate that people with long-term exposure to high levels of PFAS may experience potential health effects, including liver, blood, thyroid, fetal development and immune systems effects. Exposure to high levels of PFAS also may elevate the risk of certain cancers.
Drinking water can be a source of exposure in communities where these chemicals have contaminated water supplies. Such contamination is typically localized and associated with a specific facility, for example:
- an industrial facility where PFAS were produced or used to manufacture other products, or
- locations where firefighting foam was used such as oil refineries, airfields or other training facilities for firefighters
More information about PFAS may be found at the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection website.
For questions or additional information please contact the Rowley Water Department Superintendent Operator Robert Gray at 978-948-2640 or Robert@rowleywater.com
