High PFAS readings in private drinking water wells near a Tiverton, Rhode Island, fire station have left residents seeking more detailed explanations from town officials.
Here's what to know
Questions dominated an Aug. 12 town meeting as residents sought specifics on health dangers, available help, and the pace of the town's response, according to WJAR.
One resident reportedly asked, "What is your plan to do to help them medically with the bills that are going to come up, if they have cancer or if they have any chronic long term condition from this contamination?"
State environmental officials have tied the pollution to earlier use of aqueous film-forming foam, or AFFF, containing PFAS at Tiverton Fire Department Station 3 on Crandall Road. Those foams were widely used by fire departments nationwide for flammable liquid fires. But Rhode Island's Consumer PFAS Ban Act prohibited firefighting foams with intentionally added PFAS starting Jan. 1, 2025.
Because PFAS persist for long periods, they are often called "forever chemicals." Citing town warnings, WJAR reported that possible effects include elevated cholesterol, reduced immune response, lower birth weight in infants, pregnancy complications, and a higher risk of certain cancers.
Why is this concerning?
The contamination involves private wells, which do not always receive the same routine oversight as larger public water systems. That can leave homeowners responsible for testing, treatment, and maintenance costs.
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Patrick Jones, the town manager, said immediate assistance is already being rolled out by the state.
"We're going to provide Poland Springs drinking water for those who are impacted. The state has already started putting in water filtration systems free of charge for the impacted residents," Jones said.
For a more permanent solution, Jones said the town wants to connect the affected homes to an existing nearby water line and plans to front local money while awaiting expected federal and state reimbursement.
According to WJAR, another resident said, "I'm not waiting a year-and-a-half for a water line."
What's being done?
Free PFAS testing is being offered as the inquiry continues to homeowners with private wells in the affected area.
Staff from the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management will take a water sample from each property, usually from an outdoor spigot. Officials said the appointment normally lasts less than 30 minutes. Homeowners will receive a copy of their lab results after testing is complete.
Residents who qualify or have questions can contact Kirsten Nunn, a RIDEM environmental engineer, by email at Kirsten.Nunn@dem.ri.gov, or by phone at (401) 537-4357.
While the state is covering the initial installation of filtration systems for impacted residents, however, homeowners will have to handle the later operating and upkeep costs.
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