Free Water Offered To Some Bedford, Merrimack Residents

MERRIMACK, NH — Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics has offered to provide free bottled water to some families in Bedford and Merrimack amid an ongoing dispute with the towns over accusations of contamination in the water supply. Company officials told WMUR-TV they are working with Monadnock Mountain Spring Water to deliver the first order at no cost.

Merrimack officials have asked the state to temporarily shut down the Saint-Gobain plant after town officials said a groundwater test sample from March showed an increase in perfluorooctanoic acid from toxic perfluoroalkyl (PFAS) chemicals. The company has said that it has phased out using the industrial chemical.

Officials with New Hampshire's Department of Environmental Services said they will review the request from Merrimack officials.

In March, Boston University expressed interest in researching the health effects of the water contamination discovered in Merrimack, Bedford and surrounding areas. During a special meeting this spring, the Merrimack Town Council approved a letter of support for the university to conduct the study, which would involve analyzing blood and urine samples of residents who have consumed the water.

Last month, Gov. Chris Sununu signed two bills banning the use of PFAS chemicals in carpets, furniture and firefighting foam. Sununu cited the chemicals' hazard to firefighters while signing the bills at the Hampton fire station.

Related: More Research Planned On PFAS Water Contamination In Merrimack

Presidential Hopeful Michael Bennet To Address PFAS In Merrimack

New Laws Limit Use Of Toxic PFAS Chemicals In New Hampshire