By Cathy Iino, First Selectwoman, Killingworth.
PFAS Found in Untreated Water from Wells
in Beechwood Community
Beechwood Water Treatment System Removes PFAS
to Levels Below the CT DPH Action Level
The Connecticut Water Company, which provides water treatment for the Beechwood 55+ Community, in Killingworth, recently sampled its Beechwood wells for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Although PFAS were detected in the untreated wells in Beechwood, the treatment system currently in place delivers water to Beechwood customers that is far below the CT Department of Public Health (DPH) Drinking Water Action Level and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Health Advisory Level for PFAS. Information regarding the testing and results of the CWC Beechwood system has been sent directly to customers and can be found at ctwater.com/beechwood.
Because PFAS was found in the Beechwood system, the Town, DPH, and the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) are working to try to identify and address the potential source(s) of the PFAS and determine whether PFAS may be present in other wells in the area. This includes the Haddam Killingworth Intermediate/Middle School, Killingworth Elementary School, Town Hall, and the Killingworth Library. Results of the tests typically take two to four weeks. Out of caution, the school systems have started using bottled drinking water.
The local and state health departments have identified no immediate health threat, and they are not issuing a recommendation to alter consumption of water inside the home at this time.
We do not yet know the source or extent of the contamination. DEEP is analyzing the geology of the area and will reach out to initiate testing for PFAS in private home wells based on the risk analysis.
PFAS are a group of almost 9,000 very long-lived chemicals that have been made and used since the 1940s. They are used in some manufacturing, certain fire-fighting foams, and a wide range of consumer products, including nonstick cookware, waterproof clothing, stain-resistant textiles and carpets, personal care products, and food packaging. As a result, nearly everyone has PFAS in their blood.
In recent years, scientists have grown concerned about possible health effects from the accumulation of PFAS in our bodies. Studies in animals and humans indicate possible links between long-term exposure and adverse pregnancy outcomes such as low birth weight, delays in growth, changes in cholesterol, reduced immunity, cancer (kidney and testicular), and thyroid disease.
There is no federal Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for PFAS. EPA issued a Health Advisory in 2016 for two PFAS–PFOS and PFOA–of 70 parts per trillion (ppt). The Connecticut Department of Public Health has developed a more stringent Drinking Water Action Level of 70 ppt for the sum of five PFAS chemicals – PFHxS, PFHpA, PFOA, PFOS, and PFNA.
On Thursday, March 25, at 7:00 p.m., the Town will hold an online public forum to provide information about PFAS and the findings in Killingworth. We will have subject matter experts available from the Connecticut Department of Public Health, Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, and the Connecticut Water Company to answer questions. We will provide information on how to log in or call in to the forum in a follow-up email and at townofkillingworth.com and elsewhere.
Amy Scholz, Killingworth Director of Health
860-663-1765, x223
Catherine Iino, Killingworth First Selectwoman
860-663-1765, x501
For more information on PFAS:
Connecticut Department of Public Health Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (ct.gov)
Connecticut Dept. of Energy and Environmental Protection: Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (ct.gov)
CT Interagency PFAS Task Force: PFAS Task Force (ct.gov)
