​Windham Wells Contain Elevated Concentrations of PFCs​: NH DES

CONCORD, NH — The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) announced on June 9, 2017, that it has received drinking water well results for several properties in the Lexington and Ledge Road area of Windham, that showed elevated concentrations of perfluorochemicals (PFCs), including perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), according to a press statement. The NHDES initiated testing in this area based on information related to industrial use of PFCs at Central Metal Finishing Inc., located on Lexington Road.

Four wells have tested above the state Ambient Groundwater Quality Standard (AGQS) of 70 parts per trillion (ppt), ranging in concentrations of 70.4 ppt to 396 ppt. The NHDES has collected additional drinking water well samples in the area and is working closely with the town of Windham, according to the report, to reach out to property owners who have been unresponsive to initial requests to test their wells.

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Additionally, NHDES has worked closely with the Windham School Administrative Unit (SAU) to test the Windham Schools given their proximity to the area being investigated.

"PFOS and PFOA were not detected at the Windham High School," according to Jim Martin of the NH DES. "Analysis of the Center School samples detected low concentrations of both PFOA and PFOS."

The levels detected in two separate tests of the Center School well were 21.5 parts per trillion (ppt) of both PFOA and PFOS combined, and 17.29 ppt.

"Although no action is required to mitigate PFCs found in the school drinking water below the state standard, the SAU, working in conjunction with NHDES, has developed a well monitoring plan and has researched water treatment options for the Center School," he noted.

For more information regarding NHDES’ investigation into PFCs in New Hampshire drinking water, visit des.nh.gov/organization/commissioner/pfoa.htm.

Submitted by the NH DES.

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