What does this mean?

This is not an emergency. If it had been, you would have been notified within 24 hours. Although this is not an emergency, as our customer, you have the right to know what happened, what you should do, and what we are doing to correct this situation.

On October 2, 2020, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) promulgated a new drinking water regulation and maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 20 nanograms per liter (ng/L or parts per trillion - ppt) for the sum of six per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (called PFAS6). Our water system proactively and voluntarily sampled for PFAS6 prior to the new regulations. See our latest results in this table.

PFAS6 Results for Randolph/Holbrook Joint Water Plant:

Quarterly Compliance PeriodMonitoring PeriodSample Collection DatePFAS6 Result (ng/L)
Quarterly Average (ng/L)PFAS6 MCL (ng/L)
Quarter 2, 2021
Month 1
April 19, 202118.8
1920
Quarter 2, 2021
Month 2
May 10, 202118.5
19
20
Quarter 2, 2021
Month 3
June 7, 202120.1
19
20
Quarter 3, 2021Month 1
July 7, 202123.4
25 (see note)
20
Quarter 3, 2021
Month 2
August 3, 202127.0
25 (see note)
20
Quarter 3, 2021
Month 3
September 8, 202125.5
25 (see note)20

Note: A quarterly average exceeding 20 is a violation of the PFAS6 Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL).

Even though we have been notifying you of our results since we began collecting samples, we must provide you with this Public Notice to comply with the drinking water regulations.

Some people who drink water containing these PFAS 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 PFAS may also elevate the risk of certain cancers.

Show All Answers

1. What happened?
2. What does this mean?
3. What is PFAS6?
4. What do I need to do?
5. What is being done?
6. Where can I get more information?