Natick PFAS Levels Below State Threshold, MassDEP Confirms

NATICK, MA — State officials have confirmed that Natick's drinking water supply in May met safe standards for PFAS, a group of potentially dangerous chemicals linked to ailments like thyroid disease and birth defects.

Earlier this year, Natick discovered levels of PFAS chemicals at the Springvale treatment facility were above the state minimum threshold of 20 parts per trillion (ppt). The levels at two water intake locations at Springvale averaged 24 ppt and 21 ppt over January, February and March.

But tests taken at the end of May show the Springvale treatment plant had dropped to 16 ppt, according to the Natick Public Works Department. The town's main drinking source, Elm Bank along the Charles River, tested at 7.6 ppt. Elm Bank had averaged 10 ppt in tests take in January, February and March.

The May tests do not mean Natick is in the clear. The town must test drinking water for PFAS monthly. However, the town is moving toward the construction of a new water filtration system that should help reduce contamination.

Find out more about Natick's PFAS contamination the response to the problem on the town website.