Hooksett Village Water Precinct is pleased to announce that it has completed two quarters of testing for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) with proposed NH health-based drinking water standards, or Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs). None of the compounds were detected at any of its water sources.
According to NH DHHS, poly- and per-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of man-made chemicals that have been used for decades to manufacture household and commercial products that resist heat, oil, stains, grease and water. PFAS have been used in many consumer products including in non-stick cookware, stain-resistant furniture and carpets, waterproof clothing, microwave popcorn bags, fast food wrappers, pizza boxes, shampoo and dental floss.
Many PFAS are commonly found in our environment and do not break down easily. PFAS can move through soil, get into groundwater, and be carried through air. Because they are stable chemicals and move so easily in the environment, PFAS have been found far away from where they were made or used. In fact, most people living in the United States have PFAS in their bodies, indicating widespread exposure. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified PFAS as contaminants of emerging concern because of their widespread use and potential to affect human health.
Because of the level of concern, PFAS have garnered a lot of state and national news coverage recently. For the latest information on the occurrence and management of PFAS in NH, please refer to the following NH DHHS and NH DES web pages: