Water Treatment Plant Replacement Project

Planning for Resilient Clean Safe Drinking Water for Today, Tomorrow and the Future of Plainville

All these things are interconnected: an abundant supply of clean safe drinking water, good health, economic well-being, a stable climate, a healthy environment and a well-balanced community.

Since 2017, Plainville has been exploring its options to improve water quality and increase water capacity to protect public health and safety; as well as allow for a stronger economic outlook for the future of the Town.

Water is the backbone of every community, and plays a significant role in public health, safety and a stable local economy, benefits include:

Increased Tax Revenue and Stabilized Tax Rates
Increased Property Values
Reduced Healthcare Costs
Improved Sanitation Standards

Frequently Asked Questions

Click on this link (PDF) to view a downloadable form of frequently asked questions about the Turnpike Lake Water Treatment Plant Replacement Project.

Join the Conversation!

Informational sessions are being held at the Plainville Town Hall located at 190 South Street on:

Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at 6:30 PM
Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at 6:30 PM
Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at 6:30 PM
Thursday, September 19, 2024, at 6:30 PM

Have Questions, Contact Us:

We understand how overwhelming this information is, and we are here to answer your questions.

Telephone: (508) 576-8376

Email: jbeckett@plainville.ma.us

What is the Current State of Plainville’s Water?

The water in Plainville comes from two sources: the Turnpike Lake Water Treatment Plant and the Highway Wells. These sources provide safe and reliable water to Plainville residents. The Town also has drinking water wells that draw from Lake Mirimichi, but those wells have not been utilized since 2017 given high levels of manganese being present in the water. Losing those valuable drinking water assets has also contributed to the Town’s lack of available drinking water for existing customers and future growth.

Through an inter-municipal agreement, Plainville receives approximately one-third of its water from North Attleborough. Plainville’s water distribution system and wells do not have enough capacity alone to meet the needs of our community or future development. This municipal agreement is set to expire in 2025, at which the Town may be required to negotiate new rates and/or be subject to water capacity limits to purchase water.

What Has Been Done to Date to Protect Public Health and Safety and Increase Capacity?

Plainville has been working with its Towns Engineer BETA, since 2017 to develop a long-range plan to address water quality and capacity issues:

June 2017 – Town Meeting Approved a study to evaluate the drinking water quality of the Mirimichi Wells.
February 2018 – Town Meeting Approved the Cleaning of the Sharlene Water Tank and Examination of Drinking Water Treatment to Improve Water Quality.
June 2019 – Town Meeting Approved the Water Treatment Plant Conceptual Design to Increase Capacity/Water Supply.
September 2019 – Select Board held a Public Hearing to Discuss the Critical Nature of the Lack of Drinking Water Capacity in Town.
January 2020 – The Select Board sign a 5-Year Inter-Municipal Agreement to Purchase Water from North Attleborough. Plainville’s existing wells are currently unable to provide water in the quantities necessary to support Plainville’s existing needs and any future growth. Plainville agrees to examine new water sources and expansion of the Water Treatment Plant.
October of 2020 – MassDEP institutes an enforceable Drinking Water Regulation for 6 PFAS Compounds at 20 parts per trillion (ppt).
October 2021 – Implementation of Quarterly Violation Notices by North Attleborough Distributed to Water Customers Regarding the Exceedance of the MassDEP’s Maximum Contamination Level for PFAS6 in the public drinking water.
May 2021 – Town Meeting Approved a Schematic Design for the Water Treatment Plant to include PFAS.
January 2022 – BETA Presented the Water Treatment Plant Feasibility Report to the Select Board.
2022/2023 – MassDEP Required Plainville to perform a pilot test to ensure the PFAs treatment method was viable.
September 2023 – Preliminary Design/Cost Estimate Presented to the Select Board.
December 2023 – 75% Design Completed.
March 2024 – Additional Design/Permit Process per MassDEP; Plainville Approved for MassDEP’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund for $15M 0% loan.
April 2024 - EPA (Federal) Instituted a national Drinking Water Regulation for 6 PFAS compounds at 4 parts per trillion (ppt).
May 2024 – BETA and Capital Strategic Solutions Presented an Update on PFAS and the Water Treatment Plant Design to the Select Board.
June – September 2024 – Informational/Educational Sessions.
October 7, 2024 – Special Town Meeting to Vote to Accept the Drinking Water State Revolving Funding $15M loan at 0% interest with 3.3% minimum principal forgiveness and to allow the Town to apply for a bond rated loan to construct the new Water Treatment Plant.

What is PFAs and How Has it Impacted Plainville?

In October of 2020, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) instituted an enforceable Drinking Water Regulation for six (6) per-and polyfluoroalkyl compound substances called PFAS6 at 20 parts per trillion (ppt). In April of 2024, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established an enforceable national Drinking Water Regulation for 6 PFAS compounds at 4 parts per trillion (ppt). All public drinking water suppliers are required by law to comply with the EPA’s national drinking water regulation within 5 years or face an Administrative Consent Order outlining immediate action to resolve violations; which could include fines (approximately $2,500 to $25,000 per day) and possible criminal charges. Below depicts the EPA’s new drinking water standard for PFAS compounds

Chemical	Maximum Contamination Level Goal (MCGL) Non-Enforceable	Maximum Contamination Level (MCL) Enforceable
PFOA	0	4.0 parts per trillion
PFOS	0	4.0 parts per trillion
PFNA	10 parts per trillion	10 parts per trillion
PFHxS	10 parts per trillion	10 parts per trillion
HFPO-DA (Gen X Chemicals)	10 parts per trillion	10 parts per trillion
Mixture of two or more: PFNA, PFHxS, HFPO-DA, and PFBS	Hazardous Index of 1	Hazardous Index of 1
Maximum Contamination Level Goal (MCLG): The level of a contaminant in drinking water below there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety and are non-enforceable public health goals.

PFBS have been used as a replacement chemical for PFOS and has been identified in environmental media and consumer products, including surface water, wastewater, drinking water, dust, carpeting and carpet cleaners, and floor wax.

North Attleborough’s water exceeded the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Agency’s drinking water regulation for PFAS6 in 2021. The Town of North Attleborough has since brought the Adamsdale Well to compliance with MassDEP's regulations and subsequently the EPA's new PFAS regulation. It is anticipated that in September of 2024, a new water treatment system at the McKeon Well will also be online, meeting both the MassDEP and EPA's regulations. They are also working with their engineering team to develop a timeline to bring the Whiting and Hillman wells into compliance over the next five years as required by the EPA.

Although Plainville’s water did not exceed the MassDEP’s regulation for PFAS6, Plainville is a subrecipient of water from North Attleborough and Plainville’s water exceeds the new EPA drinking water regulation for PFAS6 instituted by the EPA.

Location	Quarter	Result
Turnpike Lake	1st Quarter 2022	7.5 parts per trillion
Turnpike Lake	2nd Quarter 2022	6.46 parts per trillion
Turnpike Lake	3rd Quarter 2022	7.34 parts per trillion
Turnpike Lake	4th Quarter 2022	9.81 parts per trillion
Turnpike Lake	1st Quarter 2023	6.60 parts per trillion
Turnpike Lake	2nd Quarter 2023	6.60 parts per trillion
Turnpike Lake	3rd Quarter 2023	7.34 parts per trillion
Turnpike Lake	4th Quarter 2023	Testing Not Required Per MassDEP
*Plainville was not required to test for PFAS in the last quarter of 2023 as sampling was below 10 parts per trillion consistently. The next round of sampling will occur in July of 2024.

What is PFAS6 and Why is it a Problem?

Per- and Polyfluroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals, including PFOA, PFOS, GenX, used in everyday items like cookware, pizza boxes, and stain repellants, as well as in industry and firefighting foams. According to the EPA, the latest science shows that these chemicals are harmful to our health; and increased exposure to PFAS over a long period of time can cause cancer and other serious illnesses that decrease quality of life or result in death. PFAS exposure during critical life stages such as pregnancy or early childhood can also result in adverse health impacts. Key issues surrounding PFAS compounds:

Persistence: PFAS, called "forever chemicals," persist in the environment and can build up in water, air, and soil.
Bioaccumulation: PFAS can build up in the body, with regular low-level exposure leading to a significant accumulation.
Health Risks: Certain PFAS exposure is linked to health issues like cancer risk, immune effects, hormone disruption, and developmental problems in children.
Widespread Contamination: PFAS contamination is global, found in drinking water, rivers, wildlife, and human blood, raising public health concerns.

Rising concerns over PFAS have led to more regulatory scrutiny and research on their environmental and health impact.

What are Plainville’s Options for Treating PFAS6?

The EPA recommends several technologies for removing PFAS6 from drinking water, including:

Granular Activated Carbon – Utilizes an “activated” media produced from carbon-based materials, such as wood, to absorb chemicals and compounds, including PFAS.
Aion Exchange – Occurs through a solution designed to “exchange” through absorption resins a variety of contaminants, including PFAS.
Reverse Osmosis and Nanofiltration – High pressure membrane processes that separate and remove contaminants, including PFAS, from water.

Through the MassDEP pilot test BETA conducted in 2022/23, granular activated carbon was found to be the most effective and efficient way to treat PFAS6 in Plainville’s water.

What is the Plan to Increase Capacity and Remediate PFAS6?

Should the Town vote to approve the SRF Funding, the plan is to replace the existing water treatment plant with a larger, more advanced facility capable of handling increased demand, filtering PFAS contaminants, and meeting state and federal regulations. This new plant will feature state-of-the-art pumping, filtration, and treatment systems for improved efficiency and safety.

Project Location

The proposed new treatment plant will be constructed on a Town owned adjacent parcel of land at the corner of East Bacon Street and George Street.

Project Cost

The estimated cost to build the new Water Treatment Plant is $25.6M, the Town has been approved for the MassDEP’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund for $15M at 0% interest, with a minimum of 3.3% principal forgiveness over 30 years if approved by Town Meeting. The project team is investigating additional fund sources including applying for additional SRF funds for the remaining $10M in project costs under FY2025. There is the potential that Plainville may have to apply for a 20-year bond to cover the additional $10M in project costs at a 3.5% interest rate.

We anticipate some other possible revenue sources to help fund this project:

Closed Capital Projects: Approximately $1.2M from previous water projects that will be reappropriated.
PFAS Lawsuit Settlements: Expected to total about $4M, with some settlements being finalized soon.

These additional funds, totaling around $6.7M, will help reduce our debt obligations or cover any excess costs if project bids exceed expectations. We will continue to seek alternative sources of funding as well, such as grants to mitigate the cost for the community.

Our team is performing a comprehensive water rate evaluation that will allow Plainville to more equitably distribute the cost of water treatment plan and account for other necessary capital improvements moving forward.

There are ongoing discussions as well regarding cost sharing, including a potential split, 1/3 of the debt covered by the general fund and 2/3 of the debt being funded by water customers. Property tax holders could see a potential impact to the general fund of about $80.52; approximately 0.22 cents per day. Water customer could potentially see an annual increase of $202.40; approximately 0.55 cents per day.

* Keep in mind that these are preliminary budget estimates to provide a general idea on average of the increase to taxpayers and quarterly water bills based on the finance options and rates available at this time.

Why Should Non-Water Customers Have to Share in the Cost?

While non-water customers may not directly use the services of a water treatment plant, they benefit from the broader public health, environmental, economic, and social advantages that these facilities provide. Benefits include:

Increased Capacity and Ability for Economic Growth and Vitality

Increased Economic Growth and Vitality: Without a sufficient water supply and the ability to properly treat drinking water, the Town will not be able to allow new growth to help stabilize the tax rate and support our local economy. The existing Treatment Plant is already beyond capacity and will need to be expanded to handle not only future growth, but our existing customers.
Property Value Protection: Contaminated water sources and insufficient treatment capacity can negatively impact property values across the community. Effective remediation and capacity enhancements can help maintain or even increase property values, benefiting all property owners.
Community Attractiveness: A well-maintained and capable water treatment infrastructure can make the community more attractive to businesses and new residents, contributing to local economic growth and stability.

Public Health Protection

Widespread Impact of PFAS: PFAS contamination can affect not just water supplies but also soil, air, and food. Remediation efforts help reduce these contaminants, which can have widespread health benefits for the entire community.
Preventing Secondary Contamination: Addressing PFAS at the water treatment level helps prevent secondary contamination of other resources and services that non-water users may depend on, such as local agriculture and public spaces.

Regulatory and Policy Frameworks

Compliance with Regulations: State and federal regulations mandate certain environmental and health standards that benefit the entire community. Shared funding helps ensure compliance without placing undue financial strain on a single group.
Precedent and Policy: There is often precedent in community policies for shared funding of essential infrastructure projects, recognizing that the benefits and burdens of such projects are communal.

Environmental Safeguards

Ecosystem Health: Effective remediation of PFAS helps protect local ecosystems from these persistent chemicals. Healthier ecosystems benefit all community members by supporting biodiversity, recreation opportunities, and overall environmental quality.
Sustainable Practices: Investing in increased capacity and advanced treatment methods promotes sustainable water management practices that contribute to the long-term health of the community’s natural resources.

Sharing the costs of expanding the treatment plant and PFAS remediation ensures that the entire community benefits from improved public health, environmental protection, economic stability, and social equity. This approach aligns with principles of communal responsibility and sustainable development, ultimately fostering a healthier and more resilient community.

Why Can’t the Town Invest in Individual House Filters in Place of a Treatment Plant?

Ensuring that our community has access to safe and clean drinking water is our highest priority. After careful consideration and extensive analysis, we have determined that treating all the town's water at the source is the most effective and reliable approach for several reasons.

Firstly, centralized treatment ensures that every resident, business, and public facility consistently receives water that meets the highest safety standards and regulatory compliance. This comprehensive approach eliminates the variability and potential inconsistencies associated with individual filters, which require regular maintenance and monitoring to remain effective.

Secondly, treating water at the source is a more efficient and sustainable solution. By addressing PFAS contamination at the treatment plant, we can leverage advanced technology and economies of scale to provide a thorough and consistent level of purification. This method also avoids the logistical and financial challenges of distributing, installing, and maintaining filters across thousands of individual properties.

Additionally, centralized treatment allows us to implement a long-term solution that can adapt to evolving standards and emerging contaminants. As regulations and scientific understanding of PFAS continue to develop, a centralized system offers the flexibility to upgrade and enhance our treatment capabilities without imposing additional burdens on individual households.

By investing in centralized treatment, we are not only protecting public health but also ensuring equitable access to safe water for all community members. This approach aligns with our commitment to providing reliable and sustainable water services, reinforcing our responsibility to safeguard the well-being of our entire town.