A new report in Massachusetts has found PFAS contamination in 87% of the rivers, ponds, and other tested waterways, heightening concerns across the state.
Here's what to know
As WGBH reported, using test results from 108 Massachusetts locations sampled between 2022 and 2024, the report found PFAS in waterways across the state, including the Charles River, Jamaica Pond, and western Massachusetts rivers such as the Connecticut, Chicopee, and Hoosic.
The report was produced by MASSPIRG Education Fund, along with Environment Massachusetts Research and Policy Center and Frontier Group, and demonstrates the extent of the public health issue, previously focused on drinking water alone.
Often called "forever chemicals," PFAS have been associated with health effects such as decreased fertility and several cancers. The report indicates contamination is showing up in waterways many residents use for recreation, fishing, and other routine activities.
According to WGBH, Melissa Shapiro of the Massachusetts Rivers Alliance said, "We often talk about PFAS levels in the context of drinking water, but this report confirms that these forever chemicals are actually far more pervasive. Anyone who enjoys the rivers, ponds, and streams of Massachusetts may be at risk of exposure. It's time we start thinking about PFAS as a universal and unifying water quality issue that warrants an urgent statewide response."
More background
The findings come as the Massachusetts Department of Public Health has already issued 64 fish consumption advisories tied to PFAS.
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According to WGBH, Deirdre Cummings, consumer program director for the MASSPIRG Education Fund, said, "This is really the tip of the iceberg because we do not test all the waterways. In fact, there are many, many, many more waterways than the ones that were tested here. And we are just learning about the potential of these PFAS getting into these rivers and streams."
That contamination could influence how residents think about fishing and other time outdoors, especially in areas where state advisories are already in place.
PFAS show up in items like nonstick cookware, fast-food packaging, and some clothing, and they can reach waterways through sewage discharges, industrial waste, wastewater plants, runoff, landfills, and a variety of other routes.
What's being done?
The authors of the report and other advocates argue that the state cannot simply test its way out of the problem.
Cummings said, "So what we really have to do is get at the source of the problem. We have to stop using PFAS in so many processes and products."
She added, "Wherever we can, where there are alternatives available and where it makes sense, we need to stop using that PFAS."
WGBH reported that lawmakers considered several Massachusetts bills meant to curb PFAS exposure, including restrictions on PFAS in some consumer goods and a statewide ban on putting dried sewage sludge on land. However, none of those measures have passed, even as other states have moved ahead with similar laws.
Cummings said, "I hope this [report] serves as a wake-up call that PFAS should be number one on the agenda to protect public health here in the commonwealth, and to get rules and regulations passed to protect our public health."
Where can I learn more?
PFAS are a public health concern far beyond the borders of Massachusetts.
• In the Delaware River, PFAS in fish are rising faster than the river can dilute.
• In North Carolina, PFAS and 1,4-dioxane move through the Haw River as limits are debated.
• Minnesota says 3M's forever chemical discharges are still polluting stretches of the Mississippi.
• In California, water contaminated with PFAS from pesticides is raising alarms statewide.
• North Carolina residents say a landfill is linked to the state's highest PFAS tap water levels.
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