PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) Information

What happened?

On October 2, 2020, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) published its PFAS public drinking water standard or Massachusetts Maximum Contamination Level (MMCL) of 20 ppt for six (6) per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) including: perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS); perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA); perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS); perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA); perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA); and perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA).

On April 10, 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established a National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR) setting enforceable Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for six specific PFAS in drinking water. This includes individual MCLs for PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, PFNA, and HFPO-DA, and a combined Hazard Index MCL for PFAS mixtures with two or more of PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA, and PFBS. Additionally, the EPA set non-enforceable health-based Maximum Contaminant Level Goals (MCLGs) for these chemicals.

The EPA has given drinking water suppliers until 2027 to test their water for PFAS and until 2029 to come into compliance with the new drinking water standard. 

What does this mean?


Plainville's water currently meets the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) drinking water regulation and maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 20 nanograms per liter (ng/L or parts per trillion – ppt) for PFAS6. However, it does not meet the EPA's national drinking water regulation.

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. For more information on PFAS6, see the links listed below.

What is PFAS6?

PFAS6 includes perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS), perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) and perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA).  PFAS are man-made chemicals that have been used in the manufacturing of certain fire-fighting foams, moisture and stain resistant products, and other industrial processes. For more information, see the links listed below.

What do I need to do?

  • Consumers in a sensitive subgroup (pregnant or nursing women, infants and people diagnosed by their health care provider to have a compromised immune system), are advised not to consume, drink, or cook with water when the level of PFAS6 is above 20 ng/L.
  • Consumers in sensitive subgroups are advised to use bottled water for drinking and cooking of foods that absorb water (like pasta). 
  • For infant formula, use bottled water or use formula that does not require adding water.
  • For older children and adults not in a sensitive subgroup, the 20 ng/L value is applicable to a lifetime of consuming the water.  For these groups, shorter duration exposures present less risk.  However, if you are concerned about your exposure while steps are being taken to assess and lower the PFAS concentration in the drinking water, use of bottled water will reduce your exposure.
  • Bottled water should only be used if it has been tested. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health requires companies licensed to sell or distribute bottled water or carbonated non-alcoholic beverages to test for PFAS.  See  https://www.mass.gov/info-details/water-quality-standards-for-bottled-water-in-massachusetts#list-of-bottlers-
  • Home water treatment systems that are certified to remove PFAS by an independent testing group such as NSF, UL, or Water Quality Association may be used to treat the water. These may include point of entry systems, which treat all the water entering a home, or point of use devices, which treat water where it is used, such as at a faucet. For information on selecting home treatment devices that are effective in treating the water for PFAS6, review the MassDEP factsheet for consumers referenced below.
  • In most situations the water can be safely used for washing foods, brushing teeth, bathing, and showering.  
  • Boiling the water will not destroy PFAS6 and will somewhat increase its level due to evaporation of some of the water. 
  • If you have specific health concerns regarding exposure, you should see the Centers for Disease Control’s link below and consult a health professional, such as your doctor. 

What is being done?

The Plainville Water System has taken the following measures to assess and lower the PFAS concentration in the drinking water:

  • At the October 7, 2024, Special Town Meeting, members of the Town of Plainville approved the much-anticipated Water Treatment Plant Replacement Project by a two-thirds majority vote. This critical decision will pave the way for improved water treatment infrastructure aimed at addressing concerns over PFAS contamination and ensuring safe drinking water for the community.
  • When additional information becomes available, this Public Notice will be updated. 

Where can I get more information?

For more information, please contact:

Plainville Water Operations Center

171 East Bacon Street
Plainville, MA 02762
P: (508) 695-6871
Hours of Operation:
Mon. – Fri.   8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, 

For more information on PFAS6 and information on home water treatment, see the links below.