3 Private Wells In Northampton Contain Dangerous Chemicals: Report

Three private wells in Northampton have tested positive for elevated levels of perfluorinated compounds, according to a report by the Bucks County Courier Times.

The publication reports officials with the U.S. Navy on Wednesday informed the Northampton Board of Supervisors that of the 54 private wells tested in the township, three contain elevated levels of the chemicals.

The three wells, all located in the area of New Road, have more than 70 parts per trillion, the advisory limit set by the Environmental Protection Agency, the report said.

Perfluorinated compounds have been found in public and private drinking water wells near the Former Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base in Willow Grove and former Naval Air Warfare Center in Warminster.

The Navy continues to investigate the cause of the contamination in Northampton. More than 200 private wells in the area are affected, according to the Courier Times report.

PFOS are perfluorinated compounds that are or were once used in a variety of consumer products, such as fire-fighting foam, stain and water repellants, paper products, the lining of microwave popcorn bags, floor wax and non-stick cookware. In laboratory animals, PFOS can cause developmental, reproductive and other adverse effects, according to the Horsham Water and Sewer Authority.