Brookline Drinking Water OK, As Toxic Levels Rise Elsewhere

BROOKLINE, MA — The town does not have elevated toxic chemicals in it's drinking water, but the Department of Public Works is watching it closely, after a spike in toxic chemicals in drinking water across the state was reported.

Burlington, Wellesley and some 50 water sources have reported levels of the man made chemical PFAS a rates higher than what a new state standard allows. The Boston Globe over the weekend reported that dozens tested have exceeded PFAS standards, with many more results to be made public and sources to be tested.

Brookline Director of Water and Sewer Fred Russell, has been actively following this issue and connects regularly with the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, the agency that provides, and tests, the town's water, according to PW Commissioner Erin Gallentine.

"We have an excellent distribution system and water quality from the MWRA is closely monitored," said Gallentine in an email. "MWRA has been testing for PFAS and results have been reported as below the DEP limits."

Communities are facing the problem after the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection last fall set a PFAS standard of 20 parts per trillion.

PFAS, or polyfluoroalkyl substances, are "forever chemicals" used in things like non-stick coating and firefighting foams. They have been tied to cancer and other diseases, though it is important to note state and federal officials say more research is needed and drinking the water does not necessarily mean adverse health effects will follow.

Brookline's water comes from the Quabbin Reservoir, about 65 miles west of Boston, and the Wachusett Reservoir, about 35 miles west of Boston. These reservoirs supply wholesale water to local water departments in 51 communities. The two reservoirs supplied about 200 million gallons a day of high quality water to consumers in 2019, according to the MWRA.

Jenna Fisher is a news reporter for Patch. Got a tip? She can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna). Have a something you'd like posted on the Patch? Here's how.