Forever chemicals removed from Braintree’s

According to the mayor the new filtration system at the municipal water treatment plant has successfully removed Forever chemicals from Braintree’s water supply.

The chemicals that are known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are man-made chemicals that persist in the environment and human body, and can cause adverse health effects, The US Environmental Protection Agency said that the studies shows that Forever chemicals can cause reproductive, developmental, liver, kidney, and immunological effects in laboratory animals. They have caused tumors and increased cholesterol levels. These Forever chemicals are used in non-stick cookware and water resistant clothing to food packaging materials and firefighting foam

According to a statement from Mayor the tests showed that per- and polyfluoroalkyl levels in Braintree’s drinking water were at 21 parts per trillion which is above the state-mandated level of 20 parts per trillion, The Braintree Water and Sewer Department installed one filter to try to remove the chemicals, and, after seeing improvement, installed four more filters. As of March 16, 2021, the filtered water level of PFAS had fallen to zero,.

Mayor also added that he is pleased that not only were we able to reduce PFAS to acceptable state levels but completely eliminate this harmful chemical from our drinking water. The “Water quality will always be a top priority for my administration.He said the filters and water would be tested monthly to ensure that the filters continue to work.The project to remove the old filtration system and install a new one cost $299,000 and was funded by the town. A year ago, the town council approved spending $693,020 to install activated carbon in the treatment plants filter system to reduce PFAS levels.