Burlington Drinking Water Has Elevated Toxic Chemicals

BURLINGTON, MA — The town detected elevated toxic chemicals in its drinking water and is considering new alternatives to provide water to residents.

The Department of Public Works said in a letter recent testing of the Vinebrook and Mill Pond treatment plants showed the presence of the manmade chemical known as PFAS is higher than what a new state standard allows.

The DPW is now considering ways to reduce the amount of PFAS, which are linked to certain health risks. One option is opening the connection with Lexington to provide more water from the Massachusetts Water Resource Authority, which provides water that does not include PFAS. That would lessen the demand for water from town sources.

"We are committed to providing consumers with safe and reliable water and are working diligently to develop a plan that ensures the public water supply meets the state's new drinking water standards," DPW Director John Sanchez said in the letter. "We will keep the public informed as we work with local and state officials to develop, design and implement the most expedient, effective and fiscally responsible solution to this emerging chemical of concern."

Burlington isn't alone in struggling to find a solution to PFAS. The Boston Globe over the weekend reported some 50 water sources that have so far been tested have exceeded PFAS standards, with many more results to be made public and sources to be tested.

Communities are facing the problem after the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection last fall set a PFAS standard of 20 parts per trillion. Burlington is at 40 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.

Residents can call Treatment Plant Manager Russ Makiej at 781-270-1648 for more information.

Mike Carraggi can be reached at mike.carraggi@patch.com. Follow him on Twitter @PatchCarraggi. Subscribe to Burlington Patch for free local news and alerts and like us on Facebook.