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1. What does this mean?

This is not an emergency. If it had been, you would have been notified within 24 hours. Although this is not an emergency, as our customer, you have a right to know what happened, what you should do, and what we are doing to correct this situation.

In compliance with the drinking water regulation, we must provide you with this Public Notice so you can make informed decisions about your drinking water while we continue to monitor the water supply.

Some people who drink water containing these PFAS in excess of the MCL may experience certain adverse effects. These could include effects on the liver, blood, immune system, thyroid, and fetal development. These PFAS may also elevate the risk of certain cancers.

The Town of North Attleborough Water Division has constructed a kiosk for members of the sensitive subgroups (pregnant women, breastfeeding women, children under 1 year old or persons with compromised immune systems) to have access to PFAS-free water. While intended for these subgroups, the kiosk is open to all North Attleborough and Plainville residents.

The kiosk is located at 49 Whiting Street (a small parking lot at the end of Broad Street) in North Attleborough. The initial hours of operation for the kiosk will be 7:30 am to 3:30 pm, Monday through Thursday. This may be changed based on the needs and feedback from residents. Residents will need to bring their own containers to fill. There is no limit on the amount of water that can be taken, but please be mindful of others who may be waiting.

This project was funded through a grant by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The kiosk will remain operational until the water system meets the new DEP regulation for PFAS6. Should you have any questions about the kiosk, please contact 508-695-7790.

2. What is PFAS6?

PFAS6 includes perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS), perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) and perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA).  PFAS are man-made chemicals that have been used in the manufacturing of certain fire-fighting foams, moisture and stain-resistant products, and other industrial processes.

3. What do I need to do?

For Consumers in a Sensitive Subgroup

• Consumers in a sensitive subgroup (e.g., pregnant or nursing women, infants, and people diagnosed by their healthcare provider to have a compromised immune system), are advised not to consume, drink, or cook with water when the level of PFAS6 is above 20 ng/L
• Consumers in sensitive subgroups are advised to use bottled water for drinking and cooking foods that absorb water (like pasta)
• For infant formula, use bottled water or use formula that does not require adding water
• Bottled water should only be used if it has been tested. A list of companies that voluntarily tested their water for PFAS and shared the results can be found on MassDEP's website

For All Consumers

• For older children and adults (not in a sensitive subgroup), the 20 ng/L value is applicable to a lifetime of consuming the water. For these groups, shorter-duration exposures present less risk. However, if you are concerned about your exposure while steps are being taken to assess and lower the PFAS6 concentration in the drinking water, the use of bottled water will reduce your exposure. A list of companies that voluntarily tested their water for PFAS and shared the results can be found on MassDEP's website.
• In most situations, the water can be safely used for washing foods, brushing teeth, bathing, and showering.
• Boiling the water will not destroy PFAS6 and will somewhat increase its level due to the evaporation of some of the water.
• If you have specific health concerns regarding your past exposure while steps are being taken to assess and lower the PFAS concentration in the drinking water, you should see the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's link below and consult a health professional, such as your doctor.
• Some home water treatment systems used to treat/filter individual faucets or entire homes can or may be able to lower the level of PFAS6 in drinking water. Our public water system has not evaluated any home treatment systems or devices to determine their efficacy to remove and maintain PFAS6 below 20 ng/L and is not aware of a currently available home treatment system or device shown to meet the Massachusetts drinking water standard for PFAS6 of 20 ng/L. Therefore, when deciding on home water treatment for PFAS6, you should be aware of the specific information on home water treatment systems and PFAS6.