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June 25, 2021
Questions and Answers
In this update we provide answers to some commonly asked questions that we have received from homeowners and tenants living in the Fairfield area. We will add these frequently asked questions (FAQs) to the Fairfield-Area PFAS Investigation web page; we’ll add new FAQs as they come in and include them in future updates as well. Click to sign up for these updates.
1. Why has my neighbor’s well been sampled but not mine?
Your well may be just outside an area of sampling or results of nearby wells may have shown that PFAS is non-detect. It also could mean that your well may not have been included in the most recent round of sampling but may be sampled in the near future. DEP has established a prioritization system to decide where to sample for PFAS contamination in wells. First, DEP takes into consideration information about potential sources, soils, the prevailing direction of groundwater flow, and existing test results to determine the areas that are likely to have the highest potential risk. Once these areas are identified, DEP conducts a phased approach to sampling which may be broadened over time based on an evaluation of results. This means that sampling starts closest to the areas identified as highest potential risk, and then sampling generally continues outward. How far out the sampling continues is based on an evaluation of results including whether there have been any exceedances of the standard. If sample results get lower and lower as sampling continues outward sampling will be reduced. At this time, DEP is beginning to apply the Interim Drinking Water Standard of 20 ppt to the sum of 6 PFAS (PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, PFHxS, PFHpA, and PFDA). Governor Mills just recently signed into law LD 129, Resolve, To Protect Consumers of Public Drinking Water by Establishing Maximum Contaminant Levels for Certain Substances and Contaminants. This Interim Drinking Water Standard of 20 ppt will be used in lieu of the U.S. EPA Health Advisory Level of 70 ppt. Please email us if you have any questions about sampling.
2. A filter system was just installed at my home, when can I start drinking the water?
Once a filter system has been installed, DEP will collect water samples to demonstrate that your water is safe to drink. An alternative source of drinking water will be provided until DEP informs you that your treatment system is effective.
Upon installation, water is sampled in multiple locations: before entering the filter, between the two filters, and after the water exits the filter system to verify that the system is working correctly and effectively. After installation, DEP will conduct sampling periodically to verify the system is working properly over the long-term. Maintenance of the system will be conducted periodically by DEP or by its designee based on this periodic sampling data and availability of funding.
3. I’m hearing that some of the filter systems being installed might not be safe or effective; why does DEP say that they are working correctly?
The effectiveness of a filter system depends on many different factors including input contaminant concentrations, water use, filter size, and type of filter. In general, the filter systems being installed are dual stage carbon filters with a coconut shell-based carbon. This means that two canisters filled with carbon are being installed so that contaminant concentrations can be monitored before the first filter, after going through the first filter (between sample), and after going through the second filter. This is all done before the water is deemed safe to drink. The between sample is able to tell us whether any type of contaminant breakthrough through the first filter is occurring and helps us to decide when to replace the filter media. In a few systems, the filter media has had to be replaced at a more frequent schedule than anticipated; however, the sample taken after the second filter shows the water is still safe to drink. This stresses the importance of monitoring and maintaining a system regularly.
4. I’m interested in buying property in an area that has been identified as impacted, will DEP pay for the installation of a filter system if I install a well and it needs treatment?
The DEP’s current focus is on providing safe water to drink for those households that already have wells installed and are drinking impacted water. We can provide technical assistance to you if you’re concerned about installing a well in a particular area or if you’d like general information about the kinds of DEP-licensed sites near your property. Please email us with your questions.
5. Why am I being asked to sign a filter system agreement with the state?
The filter system agreement outlines DEP’s responsibilities and commitment to provide treatment systems at PFAS-impacted homes and monitor and maintain those systems. The agreement also outlines a homeowner’s responsibility to provide access to DEP or DEP’s designee for filter system installation, monitoring and maintenance, and notification to DEP if ownership or occupancy changes. The agreement protects both DEP and the homeowner by establishing clear and consistent expectations that both parties must follow to ensure an effective treatment system is installed, monitored, and maintained.
6. DEP hasn’t identified my well as at risk, can I sample my own water supply?
Yes, DEP encourages homeowners that are interested to sample their own water supply if certain sampling protocols are followed and a Maine-certified laboratory is used. Specific sampling requirements must be followed to avoid potential cross-contamination of the sample. Please read DEP’s PFAS sampling requirements for additional information or email with questions and for technical assistance.
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