PFAS or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances are a large group of lab-made chemicals of which Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) belong.
PFAS are commonly referred to as the ‘forever chemicals’, some of which have been in commercial use since the 1940’s. What else do we know about PFAS?
- Very stable and don’t interact much with other chemicals
- Can be helpful in making products that resist oils, stains, water, and heat
- Have been used to make non-stick coatings on cookware, as well as protective coatings for products like carpets and fabrics
- Used in coatings for paper and cardboard food packaging, ski wax and other products
- Used in firefighting foams
- A potential health concern because they don’t break down easily and can stay in the environment and in the human body for a long time
PFAS in Kingston – Background (see the Focused Site Investigation Report for detailed information)
In 2016, when drought conditions in southern New Hampshire caused some residential wells to go dry, the Town of Kingston Fire Station’s well served as a supplemental source of drinking water for town residents. New Hampshire Department Environmental Services (NHDES) initially sampled the Fire Station well in September 2016 in response to increasing awareness and concern regarding PFAS. After extensive well-water sampling and testing over 6 years, 27 homes and the Fire Station were ultimately identified as having limits above what is considered safe drinking water.
What is Kingston doing about PFAS contamination? As an initial mitigation action by the DES, five homes and the Fire Station were provided with state funding to install water treatment systems. In 2024, additional grant funding was secured for the installation of Point of Entry System (POET) filtration systems in the remaining homes identified as having PFAS contaminated water. American Rescue Plan (ARPA) funds were used to install POET systems at the Town Hall, Police Station, and Highway Department, all of which now have safe drinking water.
Testing continues at regular intervals at all identified contamination sites and test wells to monitor the PFAS composition levels and to help identify any new contamination locations.
Visit the New Hampshire PFAS Response website for more information.