PFAS Information
What are PFAS and why are they a problem?
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a family of chemicals used since the 1950s to manufacture stain-resistant, water-resistant, and non-stick products. PFAS are widely used in common consumer products as coatings, on food packaging, outdoor clothing, carpets, leather goods, ski and snowboard waxes, and more.
Certain types of firefighting foam - historically used by the U.S. military, local fire departments, and airports to fight oil and gasoline fires - may contain PFAS.
PFAS in drinking water is an important emerging issue nationwide. Because PFAS are water soluble, over time PFAS from some firefighting foam, manufacturing sites, landfills, spills, air deposition from factories and other releases can seep into surface soils. From there, PFAS can leach into groundwater or surface water, and can contaminate drinking water. PFAS have also been found in rivers, lakes, fish, and wildlife.
PFAS stay in the environment for a long time and do not break down easily. As a result, PFAS are widely detected in soil, water, air, and food. Some PFAS can accumulate in the food chain. Exposure can occur when someone uses certain products that contain PFAS, eats PFAS-contaminated food, or drinks PFAS-contaminated water. When ingested, some PFAS can build up in the body and, over time, these PFAS may increase to a level where health effects could occur.
Studies indicate that exposure to sufficiently elevated levels of certain PFAS may cause a variety of health effects including developmental effects in fetuses and infants, effects on the thyroid, liver, kidneys, certain hormones and the immune system. Some studies suggest a cancer risk may also exist in people exposed to higher levels of some PFAS. Scientists and regulators are still working to study and better understand the health risks posed by exposures to PFAS, and MassDEP is following developments in this burgeoning area closely.
What is the drinking water standard for PFAS and how is compliance determined?
In October 2020, MassDEP promulgated a new drinking water standard in order to identify a newly prioritized family of chemicals called PFAS. These regulations establish a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of 20 parts per trillion (ppt) for the sum of six PFAS compounds (PFOS, PFOA, PFHxS, PFNA, PFHpA and PFDA), collectively known as PFAS6. The regulations detail the sampling requirements and corrective actions that Public Water Systems must take when the MCL is exceeded, as well as the provisions for public education and notice of exceedances so that communities can be educated and proactive in protecting their drinking water quality.
In April 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced final drinking water standards for six individual PFAS “forever chemicals” including PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, PFHxS, HFPO-DA (GenX), and PFBS. This is the first time that drinking water standards have been finalized for a new chemical under the Safe Drinking Water Act since it was updated in 1996. The finalized drinking water standards are:
- 4 parts per trillion for PFOA
- 4 parts per trillion for PFOS
- A standard based on the hazard of a mixture of four PFAS chemicals: PFNA, PFHxS, PFBS, and HFPO-DA (commonly known as Gen X)
- 10 parts per trillion for PFNA
- 10 parts per trillion for PFHxS
- 10 parts per trillion for HFPO-DA
States are required to establish regulations that are no less stringent than the federal standards within 2 years of the promulgation of the federal standards, with the possibility of an extension of up to 2 years. The Massachusetts regulations are less stringent than the new federal standards and will be revised. In addition, the federal standards cover two additional PFAS (PFBS and GenX) that are not included in the current Massachusetts PFAS6 standard and will need to be added to the MassDEP regulations. MassDEP will be proposing amendments to its PFAS regulations to be at least as stringent as the EPA standards and will be holding public hearings to receive public input on this proposal.
What are the PFAS sample results for Southwick’s water system?
In 2021 and 2022, the Southwick Water Department (SWD) tested for PFAS from both production wells (Well 1 and Well 2) as part of an initial sampling program. Starting in 2023, SWD collects yearly samples from Well 1 and Well 2.
Copies of all PFAS Analytical Reports can be downloaded through the links below.
Southwick's PFAS Analytical Report - March 26, 2021
Southwick's PFAS Analytical Report - April 19, 2021
Southwick's PFAS Analytical Report - January 27, 2022
Southwick's PFAS Analytical Report - January 31, 2022
Southwick's PFAS Analytical Report - April 19, 2022
Southwick's PFAS Analytical Report - April 29, 2022
Southwick's PFAS Analytical Report - July 28, 2022
Southwick's PFAS Analytical Report - August 5, 2022
Southwick's PFAS Analytical Report - October 27, 2022
Southwick PFAS Analytical Report - November 3, 2022
Southwick PFAS Analytical Report - January 28, 2023
Southwick PFAS Analytical Report - October 10, 2023
Southwick PFAS Analytical Report - January 17, 2024
Has Southwick violated the MCL for PFAS?
No. At this time, no actions are required by SWD other than continue routine monitoring for PFAS as required by MassDEP.
Where can I find more information?
Feel free to contact the Southwick DPW at 413-569-6772 or email Randy Brown, DPW Director, at rbrown@southwickma.gov.