Your drinking water is groundwater, water that is present below the earth’s surface in sand and gravel pore spaces from seventeen local wells. Four wells are located in Westwood by the Neponset River near University Avenue, and one well is located by Rock Meadow Brook near Dover Road. In Dedham, one well is adjacent to the Neponset River near University Avenue, and eleven wells are located by the Charles River near Bridge Street.

In the summer, water is purchased from the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) to meet peak demand.

Customers can install a home water filter to reduce PFAS levels. However, the current water filters on the market reduce PFOS and PFOA chemicals to below 70 ppt, which met the EPA’s 2016 interim health advisory level. Massachusetts has a significantly lower standard for PFAS6, 20 ppt, meaning the devices are not designed to meet the State’s standards. Reference MassDEP for additional information.

The District monitors for PFAS by sampling monthly at the two treatment plant effluents. Water samples are sent to a PFAS-approved testing laboratory, and results are reported to the District. Testing results are sent to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection monthly.

If the PFAS6 result exceeds the MCL of 20 parts per trillion in a single monthly sample, the District will issue a public education document within 30 days or as soon as reasonably possible.

If the PFAS6 MCL occurs when the average of all monthly samples collected over a quarter exceeds the MCL of 20 parts per trillion, the District must issue a public notice within 30 days or as soon as reasonably possible.

Notifications will be posted on the District’s Website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Information will also be distributed to both the towns of Dedham and Westwood. 

Yes. In February 2023, the Dedham-Westwood Water District presented to both town select boards about PFAS and the proactive steps we are taking to comply with current and future regulatory requirements. The presentations can be viewed below:

• Town of Dedham Select Board – February 16, 2023
• Town of Westwood Select Board – February 13, 2023