OUR RECOMMENDATIONS
We believe sensible, health-based regulations for private wells would lead to a public health benefit.
PRIVATE WELL DRINKING WATER QUALITY STANDARDS – RESEARCH MEMORANDUM
This document, created in Fall 2024 by law student Brigid Splaine at Suffolk University’s Environmental Law & Policy Clinic, supports efforts to improve drinking water safety in Massachusetts. It examines standards for private wells, provides cost estimates specific to the state, and compares regulations from other states to help inform better policies. The goal is to assist the Coalition for Safe Drinking Water in advocating for stronger protections.
The document highlights:
- Testing Processes
- Testing Costs
- Repair and Remediation Costs
- State Funding Programs
- Comparative Analysis of State Programs
- Proposed Legislation in Other States
- Comparisons to the Title V Program in Massachusetts
WHAT WE RECOMMEND
We believe sensible, health-based regulations for private wells would lead to a public health benefit. As such, we recommend private well water be tested for contaminants upon sale or transfer of a home.
We recommend testing, which would be conducted by a Massachusetts or EPA certified laboratory, should include analysis for the following parameters:
- Arsenic
- Chloride
- Copper
- Fluoride
- Hardness
- Iron
- Lead
- Manganese
- pH
- Sodium
- Total Coliform bacteria
- E. coli bacteria
- Nitrate/Nitrite
- Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)
In terms of additional requirements and regulations, we stand by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP)’s model board of health regulations for private wells. To read these regulations in their entirety, click here.
