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PFAS - What did the Town do to address the situation?

While the sample result did not constitute a drinking water violation, the Town constructed a plan of action to reduce the amount of PFAS in the drinking water and took the following actions:

  • Decreased the amount of water being distributed to the public from the Sargent WTP by shutting off 1 of the 3 wells, the one with the highest PFAS levels. This  decreased the load on the carbon bed in the filters, which reduced PFAS. This step alone reduced PFAS6 levels below the 20ppt drinking water standard.
  • A new water sample was taken after the previous step and results received on October 25 showed a result of 16.5ppt, a level below the standard of 20ppt.
  • Increased the amount of water being taken from the MWRA, which has no PFAS6 detections. This made up for the water loss from the shut off well.
  • Initiated the process of replacing the Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) at the Sargent Water Treatment Plant. GAC is a primary treatment method for PFAS removal. Sargent WTP was offline for approximately 2 weeks during this time. Other maintenance was also performed during the down time. 
  • On November 1, following the completion of the GAC replacement, a new water sample was taken and the results showed No Detection of PFAS in the drinking water from the Sargent Water Treatment Plant.
  • Created Town of Wilmington PFAS Information Page. 
  • An informational memo will be mailed to each address on our distribution system.
  • Continue our monthly PFAS6 sampling protocols at both WTPs.
  • Engaged with MassDEP toward fulfilling all regulatory obligations.