High PFAS levels were detected in private wells near Tiverton Fire Department Station 3, linked to past use of AFFF firefighting foam. At an Aug. 12 town meeting, residents demanded details on health risks, medical support and a faster timeline. The state is providing bottled water and installing free filtration systems, while offering free PFAS testing through RIDEM. The town plans to connect homes to a nearby water line and will front local funds pending reimbursement, though homeowners may still face long-term upkeep costs.
Residents Demand Answers After Elevated PFAS Found In Private Wells Near Tiverton Fire Station
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High concentrations of PFAS have been detected in private drinking wells near Tiverton Fire Department Station 3 on Crandall Road, prompting residents to press town and state officials for clearer explanations and faster action.
What Officials Say
State environmental investigators say the contamination is linked to historical use of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) containing PFAS at the fire station. Those foams were commonly used nationwide to fight flammable-liquid fires. Rhode Island’s Consumer PFAS Ban Act now prohibits firefighting foams with intentionally added PFAS beginning Jan. 1, 2025.
Immediate Response
Town Manager Patrick Jones said the state has begun providing near-term relief to affected households.
"We're going to provide Poland Springs drinking water for those who are impacted. The state has already started putting in water filtration systems free of charge for the impacted residents," Jones said.
Longer-Term Plans And Concerns
Jones said the town plans to connect affected homes to an existing nearby municipal water line and will initially front local funds while awaiting reimbursement from state and federal sources. Some residents expressed frustration with that timeline:
"I'm not waiting a year-and-a-half for a water line."
Health Risks And Testing
Because PFAS persist in the environment, they are often called "forever chemicals." Town advisories cited by local media list potential health concerns associated with PFAS exposure, including elevated cholesterol, reduced immune response, lower birth weight in infants, pregnancy complications and an increased risk of certain cancers.
The contamination affects private wells, which are not routinely overseen the same way public water systems are. That can leave homeowners responsible for testing, treatment, and ongoing maintenance costs.
Free Testing And Filtration
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) is offering free PFAS testing to homeowners in the impacted area. RIDEM staff will typically collect a sample from an outdoor spigot; appointments normally take less than 30 minutes. Homeowners will receive a copy of their laboratory results once testing is complete.
RIDEM and the state are covering the initial installation of filtration systems for impacted properties, but homeowners will be responsible for the ongoing operation and upkeep of those systems unless other funding becomes available.
How To Get Help
Residents who qualify for testing or have questions can contact RIDEM environmental engineer Kirsten Nunn at [email protected] or by phone at (401) 537-4357. Free testing and information about filtration and long-term options are being offered as the investigation continues.
Note: Officials say the investigation into the source and extent of contamination is ongoing. Residents should follow official guidance from the town and RIDEM for the latest updates and recommended precautions.
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