By Max Bowen-max.bowen@northstarreporter.com
Starting today, the town will offer free water for those in sensitive subgroups during the ongoing process to remove PFAS from its water supply.
In an announcement made on Thursday, Dec. 30, the town stated that a kiosk would be open on Jan. 3 at 49 Whiting St., in a small parking lot at the end of Broad Street. The kiosk will provide PFAS-free water for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, children under 1 year old, or persons with compromised immune systems.
Those residents of North Attleborough and Plainville who are not in these subgroups but would like to receive this water can use the kiosk.
The kiosk was built in response to the discovery of PFAS in the town’s water supply last July. Following this, the Department of Public Works issued a notice stating that the town’s water system violated a new standard set by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. Issued last October, the standard for PFAS6 was set at at 20 nanograms per liter.
Last October, the Town Council approved $5.2 million in funding for the design and construction of equipment to remove PFAS from the town’s water supply at the Adamsdale Well and designs for similar upgrades to the McKeon Well, along with the installation of fluoride injection systems. It is hoped that the work will be completed by summer 2022.
PFAS compounds are a family of chemicals widely used since the 1950s to manufacture common consumer products and used in some legacy fire-fighting foams. Drinking water may become contaminated if PFAS deposited onto the soil seeps into groundwater or surface water. PFAS have been linked to a variety of health risks, particularly in women who are pregnant or nursing, and in infants.
The kiosk will begin operations on Monday, Jan. 3, at 8:30 a.m. Following this, the hours of operation will be 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday.
“This may be changed based on needs and feedback from residents,” the statement read. “Residents will need to bring their own containers to fill. There is no limit on the amount of water that can be taken, but please be mindful of others who may be waiting.”
This project was funded through a grant with the MA Department of Environmental Protection. The kiosk will remain operational until the town’s water system meets the new DEP regulation for PFAS6. Please call 508-695-7790 with any questions.
