Important information regarding PFAS and the Town of Shrewsbury’s water supply 

Dear Water System Customer: 

In an effort to be proactive in managing and protecting the Town’s public water supply, the Water and Sewer Division recently conducted voluntary testing for the emerging contaminant known as PFAS.  PFAS has been detected at low levels in our water supply, averaging 13.56 parts per trillion.   

Out of an abundance of caution and given our commitment to keep you informed, we are providing this information even though the levels do not trigger a notice under drinking water regulations. Efforts are already underway to pilot and implement a filtration solution to remove PFAS from the water supply and determine the source.  The Town will continue to test PFAS levels on a quarterly basis and update the community.   

PFAS (per- and polyflouroalky substances) are a large group of man-made chemicals that have been used since the 1950’s in a number of products including nonstick cookware, water resistant clothing, food packaging materials, and firefighting foam.  PFAS has made headlines in recent years as it has been detected in water sources serving several Massachusetts communities and around the country.     

The attached document was developed in partnership with MassDEP and provides more information about PFAS, the levels detected in Shrewsbury’s public water supply, and links to additional resources to learn more about PFAS.  Please visit our website at https://shrewsburyma.gov/863/Water-Quality for up to date information about water quality in the Town of Shrewsbury. 

If you have any questions please contact the Water and Sewer Division of the Shrewsbury Department of Public Works at (508) 841-8502 or watersewer@shrewsburyma.gov. 

Click here to view the document