By Chuck Dam P.E., Manchester DPW Director
As part of our commitment to ensuring the safety and quality of our town’s drinking water, important updates are available in the Town of Manchester’s ongoing efforts to monitor and address per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in our local water supply.
First, What Are PFAS?
PFAS are a group of synthetic chemicals used in a wide range of industrial and consumer products for their water-and stain-resistant properties. Because they don’t break down easily in the environment, PFAS can accumulate in soil, water, and even our bodies. Scientific studies have linked long-term PFAS exposure to potential health effects, prompting increasingly stringent regulations at the state and federal levels.
Initial Testing and Monitoring
Manchester-by-the-Sea began proactively testing for PFAS in 2021, even before state or federal requirements were in place. Our two primary drinking water sources, the Lincoln Street Well (LSW) and the Gravely Pond Water Treatment Plant (GPWTP)—were sampled and analyzed for PFAS6, the six compounds, then regulated by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP).
Initial results showed that both sources were fully compliant with MassDEP’s standards of 20 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFAS6 (note, to get an idea of the scale of ppt, it’s the equivalent of one second in 31,710 years). However, with new, more stringent standards on the horizon, the town made the decision to continue with additional testing and begin exploring treatment solutions.
New Federal Standards
In April 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized national drinking water standards for several PFAS compounds. These new limits—4 ppt for PFOA and PFOS, and 10 ppt for PFHxS, PFNA, and GenX chemicals—are significantly stricter than previous regulations and require public water systems to comply by 2029.
Based on our sampling history, the Lincoln Street Well exceeds the new MCLs and will require treatment to remain in service. Gravelly Pond results have fluctuated and, while not consistently above the new limits, will also require treatment to ensure future compliance.
Rather than wait for enforcement deadlines, the town has taken steps to identify the most effective treatment options for both sources.
Pilot Testing and Bench-Scale Evaluation
In the past year, pilot and bench-scale testing programs have been completed for both public drinking water sources to determine the most effective technologies for PFAS removal. These studies evaluated multiple media types of granular activated carbon (GAC) and ion exchange (IX) media under various conditions to simulate full-scale treatment. It’s important to note that we must continue to be following other drinking water rules as we treat for PFAS, thus these studies also confirm simultaneous compliance. In the case of LSW this evaluation included piloting steps for iron and manganese removal, which is not currently part of the treatment process, in addition to removal of PFAS.
At the time of this writing, the pilot and bench-scale testing report for the Lincoln Street Well has been submitted to MassDEP for review and approval. The report for Gravelly Pond is currently being finalized and will be submitted upon completion in the next few weeks. These reports will serve as the technical foundation for designing permanent treatment systems at each location.
Design and Construction Planning
Looking ahead, the town is now moving into the design phase for PFAS treatment at our facilities. In 2024, we were awarded approximately $960,000 in federal Community Project Funding through Congressman Seth Moulton’s office to support design work for PFAS treatment infrastructure. We will seek additional funding through a local bonding article at a future Annual Town Meeting. We will also receive some settlement money through a class action lawsuit with the PFAS manufacturers. We will also seek other state and federal grants. Final design and permitting efforts will occur over the next year for LSW and the year after for GPWTP. Once design is complete, we will begin the bidding and construction process, with the goal of bringing both sources into full compliance by the EPA’s 2029 deadline. These investments represent a critical step in ensuring the long-term safety of our drinking water supply.
What next?
PFAS in drinking water is a complex and evolving issue. Throughout this process, the town of Manchester has committed to transparency and keeping the community informed. Our dedicated PFAS webpage includes test results, updates, and background information to help residents stay up to date on the town’s efforts.
We also encourage residents to stop by the office at Manchester Town Hall, attend public meetings, ask questions, and participate in upcoming discussions around project funding and design. Public input and engagement are essential to the success of these initiatives.
Manchester-by-the-Sea has taken a proactive, science-based approach to addressing PFAS in our drinking water. Through early testing, comprehensive pilot studies, and careful planning, we are well-positioned to meet the new federal standards ahead of the required 2029 deadline.
Additional Q&A and info can be found here and here.
