PFAS in Drinking Water

The Stow Board of Health would like to provide information regarding the discovery of Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in the water supplies for the Hale Middle School and the Center School.  As a result of these PFAS detections, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection is conducting private well sampling as part of their investigation of the PFAS discovery.   In addition the Board has been made aware of the discovery of PFAS at the Department of Fire Service facility on State Rd.  Private well testing will be conducted as part of the PFAS discovery at this site.

The links below contain information regarding the sampling process for both areas of town; a State "PFAS in Private Well Drinking Water Supplies FAQ sheet" which contains links to certified laboratories which test for PFAS, information on treatment equipment, use of bottled water and the regulatory process for establishing the standards; the letter from the Board of Health, and a few links to the Mass.gov website, addressing "PFAS in Drinking Water, Questions and Answers for Consumers".

If you are considering testing your well water, please make sure to use a state certified lab.  For information regarding testing of private wells, and a list of state certified labs, please click the link below to be redirected to the state website.

https://www.mass.gov/service-details/private-drinking-water-testing-and-...

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/per-and-polyfluoroalkyl-substances-pfas

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/per-and-polyfluoroalkyl-substances-pfa...

If your well was tested by a third party, MA DEP or outside vendor, you must contact them directly for questions relating to the results, resources and general inquiries.  

This is not an inclusive list of PFAS information, which may at time, be updated as this is an evolving matter.