Wilkinsonville Water District

PFAS

On October 2, 2020, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) issued a new drinking water regulation setting a maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 20 nanograms per liter (ng/L) for the sum of six per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (called PFAS6). PFAS6 includes perfluorooctanoic acid
(PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluorohexanesulfonic acid
(PFHxS), perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) and perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA).
PFAS are man-made chemicals that have been used in the manufacturing of certain fire-fighting foams, moisture and stain resistant products, and other industrial processes. An MCL is the maximum permissible level of a contaminant in water which is delivered to any user of a public water system. Some people who drink water containing PFAS6 in excess of the MCL may experience certain adverse effects. These could include effects on the liver, blood, immune system, thyroid, and fetal development. These PFAS6 may also elevate the risk of certain cancers. For more information on PFAS, see the links below.


Where can I get more information?


Additional information can be found in the weblinks listed below.


• MassDEP Fact Sheet – Questions and Answers for Consumers
https://www.mass.gov/media/1854351

• CDC ATSDR Information on PFAS for consumers and health professionals
https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas/index.html

• Massachusetts Department of Public Health information about PFAS in Drinking Water -
https://www.mass.gov/service-details/per-and-polyfluoroalkyl-substances-pfas-in-drinking-water

 
https://www.mass.gov/doc/massdep-fact-sheet-pfas-in-drinking-water-questions-and-answers-for-consumers/download


https://www.mass.gov/doc/per-and-polyfluoroalkyl-substances-pfas-an-updated-subgroup-approach-to-groundwater-and/download