MassDEP accepting applications for free PFAS testing of private wells

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection is continuing to accept applications from private well owners in 85 towns for free PFAS testing.

PFAS are a family of human-made chemicals found in a wide range of consumer products, such as non-stick cookware and stain- and water-resistant materials. PFAS have been found to seep into surface soils, groundwater and surface water, thereby contaminating drinking water. Negative effects of PFAS on human health and development are a growing concern.

The program is focused on towns where 60% or more of residents are served by private wells. The 85 qualifying towns are: Alford, Aquinnah, Ashby, Ashfield, Becket, Belchertown, Berkley, Berlin, Bolton, Boxborough, Boxford, Brimfield, Buckland, Carlisle, Carver, Charlemont, Charlton, Chesterfield, Chilmark, Clarksburg, Colrain, Conway, Dover, Dunstable, Erving, Florida, Freetown, Goshen, Granby, Granville, Hampden, Harvard, Hawley, Heath, Holland, Hubbardston, Lakeville, Leverett, Leyden, Mendon, Middlefield, Millville, Monterey, Montgomery, Mount Washington, Nantucket, New Ashford, New Braintree, New Marlborough, New Salem, Newbury, Oakham, Otis, Pelham, Peru, Petersham, Phillipston, Plainfield, Plympton, Princeton, Rehoboth, Richmond, Rochester, Rowe, Royalston, Sandisfield, Savoy, Shelburne, Sherborn, Shutesbury, Stow, Sutton, Tolland, Truro, Tyngsborough, Tyringham, Wales, Warwick, Washington, Wellfleet, Wendell, West Tisbury, Westhampton, Westport, and Windsor.

To apply for the private well sampling program, residents should visit dwp-pfas.madwpdep.org.

• MassDEP FAQ webpage for PFAS in Private Well Drinking Water Supplies

• MassDEP web page about per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)