Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Upcoming Mandatory State and Federal Water Regulations

What are PFAS?

PFAS are chemical components that break down very slowly over time, to the point where they are often referred to as “forever chemicals.” Often they are seen in food or water at low levels. High levels of PFAS are now understood to cause potential health issues in humans and animals; the extent of potential harm is still not known.

For more information: https://www.epa.gov/pfas/pfas-explained

PFAS is a global concern. Many kinds of PFAS are present in water and food. Virtually all water sources, including public water sources and many bottled water brands, have tested positive for elevated levels of PFAS.

What specific chemicals are being tested when sampling water?

Water sampling for Standard Drinking Water Regulations tests for PFOS, PFOA, PFHxS, PFNA, PFHpA, and PFDA. MassDEP abbreviates this set of six PFAS as “PFAS6”.

The four additional PFAS that will be looked at during water sampling after the regulation changes are GenX, PFBS, PFNA, and PFHxS. 

What options are the Water Commissioners currently looking at?

  • The Board is currently considering building a Granular Activated Carbon and greensand plant that will remove the PFAS compounds from the current water supply, and remove elevated levels of iron and manganese. Iron and manganese occur naturally in many groundwater sources, including here in Groveland. These contribute to discoloration, especially in older water lines and where water has not run consistently. 
  • Iron and manganese must be removed to successfully remove PFAS.
  • An alternative to building a treatment plant would be for the Town of Groveland to purchase drinking water from a source where the PFAS is already treated/removed. The only feasible source would be to purchase water from the City of Haverhill, whose existing treatment plant removes PFAS.
  • A third alternative involves looking for new sources of water, where the town would dig for a new well or well. PFAS are pervasive, so there is no guarantee of finding an acceptable new source.

Is this required? (Meeting of Regulations)

Yes.

These changes represent new and coming state and federal drinking water regulations. Once the regulation is finalized and adopted, we will have a set timeframe in which the Town will need to comply.

This timeframe has not been released, but it is typically three to five years. At this time, it is believed that the regulation will be adopted by the end of 2024, or early 2025.

Financial Considerations

  • All options will be paid for by water customers of Groveland, and we are also exploring all grants and external funding options.
  • Treatment Facility: Early estimates are about $22 million for initial construction and associated piping.
  • New Sources: We have located one potential new source. We estimate to bring that source online will potentially cost $5 million to $6 million. We have done preliminary testing at this site, the next steps are to file with MassDEP for approval, and then drill a production well for actual pump testing.
  • Purchasing Water from Haverhill: We have just begun looking into this and cost has not been discussed at this point. We are doing our initial engineering study to look into what would be required hydraulically, also we will need to speak to MassDEP and get their input.