Read the full article by Wheeler Cowperthewaite (The Patriot Ledger)
“Hanover’s drinking water is slightly over the state limit for so-called “forever chemicals” and water officials are hoping that switching out a filter will bring the town into compliance with the state rules.
While the town tries to remedy the situation, it has set up taps at its Broadway water treatment plant to allow free access to drinking water that is in compliance with state standards.
The group of chemicals known as PFAS, for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are man-made chemicals used in a variety of applications since the 1950s, from nonstick cookware and water resistant clothing to food packaging materials and firefighting foam. They are considered a “forever chemical” because they don’t break down and can accumulate in the body.
Hanover officials started conducting tests this year for the chemicals after the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection issued new standards for the levels of six kinds of PFAS at 20 parts per trillion, much lower than the current federal standard of 70 parts per trillion.
Tests in April showed PFAS levels at Pond Street were high, but not over the limit. As a wet spring refilled aquifers, however, the levels at the Pond Street plant rose to 20 parts per trillion in May, 30 parts per trillion in June, according to a drinking water notice.”…