THE PROBLEM

In Massachusetts, half a million residents rely on private wells for their drinking water. However, unlike public water systems, these wells are not subject to any statewide regulations or requirements for routine water quality testing.

Many residents who rely on private wells are consuming water that may be unsafe. Naturally occurring contaminants in well water can include substances such as arsenic, E. coli, radon, and uranium, which can lead to both short-term and long-term health impacts. Man-made PFAS contaminants have also posed a growing concern.

Article 97 of the Massachusetts Constitution established “the right to clean air and water”, yet over half a million residents who rely on private wells may not know if their drinking water is safe from contaminants.

Unlike with public water systems, there are currently no statewide regulations to ensure private well water is safe. Individual Boards of Health have the authority to develop local regulations, but many are outdated or nonexistent.

Massachusetts Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) are a set of guidance levels for various contaminants that could potentially be found in drinking water. These levels are based on U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) federal standards for drinking water, though MassDEP has adopted more stringent standards in some cases.

There are several potential health problems that can occur if contaminated water is consumed. In addition, contaminants may impact the aesthetic of drinking water (e.g., taste, color, odor) or a home’s infrastructure.