Laboratory Results
RECENT LABORATORY RESULTS
Lead Results 2023(PDF, 133KB)
Lead in Drinking Water - Manchester Water Department
PFAS Results 2023(PDF, 186KB)
PFAS is a class of more than 5,000 man-made chemicals (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) that have been in use across many industries since the 1940s, and were widely used to manufacture water-proofing, stain-proofing, and non-stick coatings as well as fire fighting foam. Since PFAS compounds do not readily biodegrade, often referred to as "forever chemicals" they can migrate through the soil impacting drinking water. Exposure to PFAS can be due to a combination of sources, including consumer products, food packaging, household dust, occupational hazards, foods contaminated with PFAS, and through drinking water. As many as 97% of subjects in some studies have been found to have PFAS in their blood.
The Manchester Water Department has been proactively testing the levels of PFAS since 2019 and participated in federal testing of PFOS and PFOA in 2014. Previous results can be found in our Water Quality Reports dating to 2020. A basic description of PFAS and the levels found can first be found in 2019 Water Quality Report along with a statement that the baseline testing performed found all analytes tested to be significantly under the levels of concern at that time. However, the State of Connecticut Department of Public Health (CT DPH) issued new Action Levels for nine compounds between June 2022 - May 2023.
PFOS has been detected in the New State Road Wells (click for map(PDF, 149KB)) above the new Action Level of 10 parts per trillion. All other detections fall below current action levels. The State Department of Public Health Action Levels have been developed by considering the health impacts to the most sensitive populations based on varied health effects seen in laboratory animals likely to translate to human health impacts, particularly immunological response effects, but also can contribute to elevated cholesterol, and potentially changes in liver and thyroid function. Sensitive populations, including pregnant or nursing mothers, can consider using an alternate source of water or using formula that does not require water. PFAS are not readily absorbed through the skin, so water with PFAS can be used for showering, bathing, and laundering clothing.
The Manchester Water Department is continuing to study the best option to remove PFAS from all groundwater sources that serve the Town through available water treatment technologies. We are also evaluating other mitigation alternatives and are continuing to monitor the water for any changes. The State Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is also working toward remediation solutions. CT DPH is continuing to evaluate additional PFAS compounds for toxicity and working to create new health standards, along with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
In light of rapidly changing regulations, these values will be published on a ongoing basis, along with new regulatory developments, rather than the annual basis on which the Water Quality Reports are issued. While the concentration of PFAS has not changed substantially in the time we have been monitoring it, the levels to which to we are comparing them has changed considerably. When reviewing older water quality reports, note that there may be some early results that were considered non-detections due to lower reporting thresholds.
PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED LABORATORY RESULTS
Water Quality Reports - last five annual comprehensive reports of Laboratory Results
Have a laboratory question?
Call: 860-647-6050
Email: bwilliams@manchesterct.gov
Lab Director: Brenda Williams