PFAS Testing Could Confirm Contamination From Car Wash

NORTH HAMPTON - Officials with New Hampshire's Drinking Water Source Protection Program are anticipating new PFAS testing could prove chemicals from a car wash tainted local drinking water. According to the Union Leader, officials believe perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS were possibly traveling through groundwater from Pro-Wash, a car wash at 22 Lafayette Road, to Aquarion Water Co.’s supply.

Results of PFAS testing from approximately 75 new well locations near Aquarion’s supply are expected by May 30. State officials anticipate the results will confirm their suspicions about the car wash and Coakley.

“It’s very likely the source of contaminants is from the car wash,” said Brandon Kernen of the DES Drinking Water Source Protection Program. “It will definitely be more data to go with other data to show that it’s very likely not connected (to Coakley).”

Some Hampton officials have said they suspect the Coakley landfill Superfund site in Greenland and North Hampton was the source of PFAS in Aquarion wells, which serve Hampton, North Hampton and Rye. Those officials said they want the Coakley Landfill Group, which funds the landfill’s remediation, to pay for treating Aquarion water. The company’s water supply has not exceeded limits on PFAS detection, but some Seacoast officials argue the chemicals are suspected to be more harmful than currently known.

To read the full story, visit Seacoast Online.