Wilmington Reports High PFAS Level In Water Test, No Violation

WILMINGTON, MA — A water sample taken in Wilmington recently contained levels of PFAS, a family of chemical compounds known as "forever chemicals," above the state's recently-set maximum contaminant level.

The town took action to change its water source mix and a subsequent sample was back below the maximum level of PFAS. The high test did not constitute a violation of the standard, the town said, because it did not last over three months of testing.

The first sample, taken at the Sargent Water Treatment Plant on Oct. 6, contained 20.6 parts per trillion of PFAS, above the 20 parts per trillion standard.

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After the test result was reported by the town Oct. 18, the Department of Public Works took action, according to a letter sent to the Board of Selectmen. One of the three wells at the Plant was shut off, a replacement for the plant's "Granular Activated Carbon" treatment method was ordered and more water was taken from the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority.

A new sample taken from the same plant Thursday contained 16.5 parts per trillion of PFAS, back below the standard.

The Granular Activated Carbon vendor was expected to be on site Tuesday, and the treatment plant will be shut down for approximately two weeks while work is done.

More information is available from the town here.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or [email protected].