Frequently Asked Questions
Below we’ve curated some of the most frequently asked questions, across a wide range of water resources related topics including the Comprehensive Wastewater Mangement Plan (CWMP), sewer construction sequencing, sewer connection costs and state regulations. Additionally, we have recently expanded our FAQs to include topics such as water quality monitoring and drinking water supply.
Have a question you don’t see answered below? Email us at: WaterResources@town.barnstable.ma.us
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Sewer Connection & Related Costs
How do I know if I'm eligible for new sewer?
The first step to determining if you are anticipated to receive sewer, as part of the Town’s 30-year sewer expansion plan, is to visit the Phase 1 Projects Page and look up your property on the provided map. A guide is available to assist in utilizing the map. If your property is located in Phase 1, additional project details are listed on the same page. For properties identified in Phase 2 (11-20 years), Phase 3 (21-30 years), or in a Stage, project details have not yet been determined but will be communicated when available.
The Town is currently operating within Phase 1 of the CWMP. If you have questiosn about the CWMP, when you are anticipated to recieve sewer, or any other questions, please contact the Department of Public Works at 508-790-6400 or via email at WaterResources@town.barnstable.ma.us.
Do I have a choice regarding sewer connection?
The Board of Health has the authority to require property owners to connect to the municipal sewer system when it becomes live. The Board of Health also has the authority to allow property owners to delay connecting depending upon their unique circumstances.
When am I expected to connect to sewer?
On December 19, 2023, the Board of Health voted to ammend their Seewer Connection Policy. The policy currently requires, “the owner of a building on a parcel of land which abuts a public or private way in which there is a public sewer shall connect the building to the public sewer within six months of the Board’s letter notification.“
The Sewer Connection Policy also provides guidance on Hydraulically Failed Septic Systems as well as Extension Requests. Download the full Board of Health Sewer Connection Policy here.
If I recently installed a Title 5 system, do I still need to connect and pay?
The Board of Health and Department of Public Works are working closely with property owners to avoid situations where new Title 5 systems are installed in areas that will be receiving sewer service in the near future. If you have a failed Title 5 system or questions about the status of your septic system, please contact the Barnstable Health Division at 508-862-4644 or email health@town.barnstable.ma.us.
When am I expected to connect?
On our Sewer Connection page (click here) we break down the eight essential steps that comprise the sewer connection process, which includes pre-construction communication from the Town, in-road construction and restoration activities, and ultimately connection notification from the Barnstable Health Department.
A property owner will not be expected to begin the sewer connection process until notification has been received from the Board of Health, signaling that the property is eligible for connection.
Per the approved Board of Health Sewer Connection Policy, property owners will be required to connect to the municipal sewer system within six (6) months of receiving notification.
How much does all of this cost?
As a property owner you will be responsible for hiring a licensed sewer installer to complete the connection from the sewer service stub installed by the Town at your property line to the physical building on your property. The Town does not install or perform construction on private property.
Property owners connecting to new sewer service are responsible for the following costs: (1) a one-time Sewer Assessment, (2) costs associated with connecting the sewer service to your property and abandoning your on-site septic system, and (3) fees for using sewer service once activated. Each of these costs is explained in more detail on our Anticipated Costs Page. Information about available financial assistance is located on our Financial Resources Page.
Is there any payment assistance or abatement?
We understand that septic to sewer conversion can be expensive. That’s why the Town of Barnstable is continuously exploring every option available to reduce costs to residents.
Any property owner may opt to pay their Town-issued Sewer Assessment (also known as a betterment) in quarterly installments and have it added to their property tax bill over thirty years. An abatement process will be available if a property owner believes they were incorrectly charged for a sewer assessment or if the sewer assessment charge is incorrect.
The Town is also exploring the possibility of allowing qualifying homeowners the option to defer their sewer assessment if they meet certain income and asset limits. This would carry an interest charge and the sewer assessment would be paid at the time of a transfer in ownership or refinancing of the property.
If you have questions about your Sewer Assessment, plesae contact the Barnstable Treasurer/Collector’s Office at 508-862-4054 or taxcollector@town.barnstable.ma.us.
What other financial support is available to assist with connection costs?
As the Town becomes aware of new or expanded financing options, we will share those resources on our Anticipated Costs page (click here). Currently, the Town encourages property owners to consider the well captialized Cape Cod AquiFund, offered through Barnstable County.
The Cape Cod AquiFund: Barnstable County is pleased to provide low-interest betterment loans to Cape Cod homeowners faced with the cost of replacing their septic systems. Cape Cod AquiFund provides financial assistance for septic system replacement, installation of advanced onsite wastewater treatment units, and sewer connections. Learn more about the Cape Cod AquiFund here: https://www.capecod.gov/departments/health-environment/programs-services/water-and-wastewater/community-septic-management-loan-program-csmlp/
What happens to my septic system after I connect?
Your on-site septic system must be either removed or filled in due to future safety concerns. This may be done by the same contractor who connects you to municipal sewer. All septic system related questions should be directed to the Barnstable Health Division at
508-862-4644 or via email at health@town.barnstable.ma.us
I own a commercial business, is sewer connection different?
While much of the sewer connection process is similar, commercial properties will be subject to different permit fees and sewer unit calculations.
A commercial sewer unit is defined by the amount of sewer flow on the property based on Title 5 of the State Environmental Code (310 CMR 15.203) system sewage flow design criteria; whereby every 330 gallons per day of flow equals one (1) sewer unit. A property owner will be charged the same number of sewer assessments as there are residential or commercial sewer units on the property.
If you have questions regarding how best to connect your commercial property to the newly expanded sewer system, please contact the Department of Public Works at 508-790-6400.
I manage a multi-dwelling residential community, how does sewer connection work?
While much of the sewer connection process is similar, sewer connection for multi-dwelling residential properties will differ. Commercial property owners and managers, including apartment and condominium communities, are encouraged to reach out to the Barnstable Department of Public Works at 508-790-6400 to learn more about best practices for connecting multi-dwelling residential communities to municipal sewer.
Sewer Assessment
What is a Sewer Assessment?
A Sewer Assessment is a charge to a property owner for a specific benefit received (a public sewer). It can be up to 100% of the property owner’s proportional cost share of the project’s cost. It can also be subsidized so that the charge is less than 100% of the proportional cost share or capped at a maximum dollar amount.
Extending sewer service is necessary to meet federal clean water standards in our estuaries. All residents benefit when the Town’s water resources are protected. Therefore, a shared cost approach is used to equitably fund the costs of building infrastructure to provide sewer service. Under the shared cost approach, a portion of the cost is paid by the sewer assessment charged only to new sewer users; another portion of the cost will be provided by state and federal grants (in the form of subsidized low interest loans and principal subsidies on loans); visitors to the Town will contribute by paying the local room occupancy taxes (including the Cape Cod and Islands Water Protection Fund Excise), and local meals tax; and the remaining portion of the cost will be paid out of the Town’s General Fund. This shared cost approach mirrors the method used to fund previous infrastructure projects.
What is the purpose of the Sewer Assessment Ordinance?
The Sewer Assessment Ordinance is intended to charge property owners who will be connected to new sewer service, as outlined in the Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan, a fair share of the cost of the infrastructure needed to provide that service. Property owners connecting to sewer service will have the convenience and reliability of modern sewer service without the costs of maintaining and ultimately replacing a Title 5 septic system. Properties connected to sewer service may experience a 6-13% increase in home value (1), and an increase in the marketability of the property. In addition, roadways where sewer mains are installed will be repaved.
(1) Based on recent studies performed for Mt. Pleasant Township, PA and Old Lyme, CT.
Who is required to pay the Sewer Assessment and how is it calculated?
The Sewer Assessment is a charge that will be applied to the owners of properties that have one or more residential or commercial sewer units that are eligible to be newly connected to sewer service under the sewer expansion plan.
- A residential sewer unit is defined as the number of dwelling units on a residential lot. For example, a two (2) family dwelling unit on a residential lot will be assessed two (2) Sewer Assessments.
- A commercial sewer unit is defined by the amount of sewer flow on the property based on Title 5 of the State Environmental Code, 310 CMR 15.203, system sewage flow design criteria; whereby every 330 gallons per day of flow equals one (1) sewer unit.
A property owner will be charged the same number of Sewer Assessments as there are residential or commercial sewer units on the property. The Sewer Assessment does not apply to existing sewer customers in Town, or to any properties that are already eligible to connect to live sewer service, even if they are not yet connected as the sewer system is already available. If you have questions or concerns regarding your Sewer Assessment, please contact the Barnstable Treasurer/Collector’s Office at 508-862-4054 or taxcollector@town.barnstable.ma.us.
How is the Sewer Assessment calculated?
The Sewer Assessment represents the allocated cost of the sewer infrastructure that will be serving an owner’s residential or commercial property, as defined above.
Allocated cost is the sum of (a) 100% of the cost of general benefit facilities (i.e., main trunk lines, pumping stations) divided by the number of properties served by those facilities; and (b) 100% of the cost of special benefits facilities (i.e., adjacent sewer main tied into the main trunk line), divided by the number of properties served by those facilities.
The combined cost allocated for the general and special benefit facilities will be capped at $10,000 at the beginning of the program and possibly adjusted for the inflation in construction cost annually thereafter.
What can I expect with a residential Sewer Assessment charge?
The Sewer Assessment Ordinance was adopted by Town Council on July 1, 2021, and establishes a Sewer Assessment to be charged to property owners identified to be connected to municipal sewer service under the sewer expansion plan.
The Sewer Assessment represents the allocated cost of the sewer infrastructure that will be serving a property. The Town Council adopted $10,000 as the sewer assessment unit amount.
A residential sewer unit is defined as the number of dwelling units on a residential lot. For example, a two (2) family dwelling unit on a residential lot will be assessed two (2) sewer assessments.
One bedroom and fewer shall be considered a half dwelling unit; therefore these properties will be assessed at half, or $5,000.
What can I expect with a commercial Sewer Assessment charge?
The Sewer Assessment Ordinance was adopted by Town Council on July 1, 2021, and establishes a Sewer Assessment to be charged to property owners identified to be connected to municipal sewer service under the sewer expansion plan.
The Sewer Assessment represents the allocated cost of the sewer infrastructure that will be serving a property. The Town Council adopted $10,000 as the sewer assessment unit amount.
A commercial sewer unit is defined by the amount of sewer flow on the property based on Title 5 of the State Environmental Code (310 CMR 15.203) system sewage flow design criteria; whereby every 330 gallons per day of flow equals one (1) sewer unit. A property owner will be charged the same number of sewer assessments as there are residential or commercial sewer units on the property.
What does the Sewer Assessment include?
The Sewer Assessment represents the lesser of (a) $10,000 or (b) the allocated cost of the general benefits infrastructure and special benefits infrastructure.
The Sewer Assessment does not include the cost of connecting a property to the sewer service located in the street. It also does not include the cost of decommissioning the current on-site system. However the Sewer Assessment does cover the cost of the first grinder pump per sewer unit on the property, if needed to connect to the sewer system located in the street.
When is the Sewer Assessment paid?
Once the sewer system serving your respective property becomes live, property owners can expect to receive two (2) communications from the Treasurer/Tax Collector’s Office:
- An Estimated Assessment notifying eligible property owners of the anticipated maximum cost
- A final Sewer Assessment, which will reflect the actual cost to be charged.
The final Sewer Assessment will be charged whether or not the property is immediately connected to the sewer system.
What happens to the lien on the property upon transfer of ownership?
The lien for the Sewer Assessment may either be transferred to the new owner of the property or paid off at the time of transfer. If financing is involved with the property transfer, this will depend upon the financial institution.
How is the lien removed from my property?
Properties that have opted to amortize their betterments have liens recorded to their property for the assessment. These liens are removed after payment in full plus $4 for a Certificate of Discharge which is complete through the Treasurer/Tax Collector’s Office and filed with the Registry of Deeds.
CWMP Financing
How will implementation of the plan be paid for?
The estimated cost of the 30-year plan is approximately $1.4 billion, including construction, borrowing costs and inflation. The Town has already made significant progress in meeting this funding need. Through legislative action at both the state and local levels the town has created over 50% of the estimated funding sources needed for this program. For the remaining resources needed, the Town has developed an equitable and affordable financing plan to fully implement the CWMP.
The Town has created an existing dedicated revenue stream that will provide an estimated $600 million over the 30-year implementation timeline. This revenue stream consists primarily of proceeds from the hotel/motel room occupancy tax, short- term rental occupancy tax, local meals tax and a new excise tax of 2.75% that applies to all types of lodging on Cape Cod.
As new customers come on-line to the public sewer system, revenue generated from user rate revenue is estimated to contribute over $200 million to the plan.
For more information watch the CWMP 2023 Financial Update, here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9i-vV1onx4&t=7589s
How will the remaining funding be met?
With existing spending and revenues accounted for, the remaining funding needed to implement the plan is approximately $600 million over thirty years.
The Town is proposing a two-part strategy to meet this need:
A Sewer Assessment Ordinance adopted by Town Council created a sewer assessment that applies only to properties that will be receiving sewer service. The sewer assessment of $10,000 per sewered property at the start of the program. This amount reflects only a portion of the actual cost of sewering the property. It is also less than the potential increase in property value an owner will benefit from by being connected to sewer service. Impacted property owners have the option of paying the full amount upfront, or amortizing the assessment over 30 years, to be included on quarterly tax bills.
The remaining funding needed to fund sewer construction could come from a reduction in the annual operating budget or a debt exclusion override to authorize an increase in the property tax levy, or a combination of both. This portion of funding would apply to all property owners in Town.
How is the Town going to finance individual phased projects within the plan?
Most projects will need to be financed with the issuance of a bond (loan) due to the amount of cost involved. It is anticipated that all projects will be submitted to the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust (MCWT) for financing as it operates a revolving loan fund with competitive borrowing rates and, in some cases, principal subsidies. The Trust will also administer the distributions from the Cape Cod & Islands Water Protection Fund (CCIWPF) which will be in the form of principal subsidies Due to the limited funding capabilities of the MCWT and CCIWPF some projects will need to be financed with General Obligation Bonds (GOBs) which will be competitively bid in the capital markets.
Where can I learn more about funding the CWMP?
Prior to commencing implementation of the Comprehensive Wastewater Mangement Plan, the Comprehensive Financial Advisory Committee (CFAC) developed a robust list of frequently asked questions related to the plan and its funding.
Download the complete guide to CFAC questions about sewering and funding the CWMP, here: https://barnstablewaterresources.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Questions-on-CWMP.pdf
Understanding the 'Why' Behind the CWMP
What is the CWMP?
The Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan (CWMP) is a planning document, required by regulatory agencies, which identifies the Town’s wastewater needs and establishes a recommended plan for resolving them. Barnstable’s CWMP was approved in April of 2021. We are currently operating within Year 3 of our 30 year plan.
Why does Barnstable need this plan?
The plan is a regulatory requirement to meet water quality standards under the federal Clean Water Act (Act). Due to excessive nitrogen pollution from surrounding watersheds, many of Barnstable’s coastal embayments are considered “impaired waters” in violation of water quality standards under the Act. Regulatory thresholds for acceptable levels of nitrogen in these waters, called Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs), have been certified by federal and state environmental agencies. The plan provides the road map for meeting the TMDLs and restoring the health of coastal waters.
What's the general problem here in Barnstable?
The Town of Barnstable, like many on Cape Cod, is suffering from impaired coastal waters due to excessive nitrogen. Our community has also experienced a decline in water quality across multiple sources resulting in groundwater quality concerns and pond water quality concerns. With impaired water resources we face a myraid of other issues that demand attention and action, including flood zone and climate change concerns, economic development, and regulatory requirements.
What is a watershed?
A watershed is an area of land that drains or “sheds” water into a specific waterbody. Every body of water has a watershed. Watersheds drain rainfall and snowmelt into streams and rivers. These smaller bodies of water flow into larger ones, including lakes, bays, and oceans.
Where does nitrogen come from?
Nitrogen pollution in Barnstable has been documented by the Massachusetts Estuary Project (MEP). Studies have determined that roughly 78% of controllable nitrogen comes from our reliance on septic systems (Source: Cape Cod Area Wide Water Quality Management Plan Update, 208 Plan, Cape Cod Commission).
The current Title 5 septic systems are not designed to remove signigicant nitrogen. Additionally, currently approved Innovative/Alternative (I/A) septic systems do not remove enough nitrogen to achieve TMDL’s in Barnstable.
The Town is required to meet Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs), essentially a ‘nitrogen budget’ and in order to achieve these TMDLs, sewers are necessary.
What if Barnstable doesn't take action?
The Federal Clean Water Act requires communities to meet Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs). Failure to implement changes that protect our water resources can future damage water quality, impose negative impacts to local economy and property values, and puts the Town at risk of court order, lawsuits and/or regulatory enforcement.
How does Barnstable plan to proceed?
The CWMP outlines both the traditional and non-traditional approaches the Town intends to implement to assist in nutrient management. The plan includes:
(3) 10-Year Phases of Sewer Expansion
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- Approximately 190 miles of new sewers
- Approximately 11,800 properties to be connected to sewer
- Phases executed as multiple smaller projects
Leveraging Existing Infrastructure
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- Upgrades to the Water Pollution Control Facility
- Improvements and enhancements to existing sewer infrastructure and sewer pump stations
Non-Traditional Projects
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- Including but not limited to dredging, stormwater, floating wetland treatments, etc.
Adaptive Management
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- The plan is flexible and adaptive
- 5-year updates are required
- Annual report submission to the Cape Cod Commission
Furthermore, as of September 1, 2023, the Town of Barnstable submitted its application for a WP95 Watershed Permit. Our application included the request for a Watershed Permit covering the entire Town of Barnstable, regardless of if a village was receiving sewer as part of our Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan, or not. Our application remains under review with MassDEP; we will be sure to keep our community updated throughout the review process.
How do the new Watershed Permit Regulations and revised Title 5 Septic regulations impact me?
The Town of Barnstable received the final Watershed Permit Regulations (314 CMR 21.00), and Title 5 Natural Resource Nitrogen Sensitive Area Regulations (“NSA”) (310 CMR 15.214 and 15.215), on Thursday, June 22, 2023. After completing a comprehensive review, our initial understanding is that the Town’s state-approved Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan (CWMP) will comply with the requirements of a Watershed Management Plan (WMP) and can be used as the basis for a Watershed Permit.
Furthermore, as of September 1, 2023, the Town of Barnstable submitted its application for a WP95 Watershed Permit. Our application included the request for a Watershed Permit covering the entire Town of Barnstable, regardless of when, or if, a village was receiving sewer as part of our Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan. Our application remains under review with MassDEP; we will be sure to keep our community updated throughout the review process.
Watershed Permit & Title 5 Regulations
How do the new Watershed Permit Regulations and revised Title 5 Septic regulations impact me?
The Town of Barnstable received the final Watershed Permit Regulations (314 CMR 21.00), and Title 5 Natural Resource Nitrogen Sensitive Area Regulations (“NSA”) (310 CMR 15.214 and 15.215), on Thursday, June 22, 2023. After completing a comprehensive review, our initial understanding is that the Town’s state-approved Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan (CWMP) will comply with the requirements of a Watershed Management Plan (WMP) and can be used as the basis for a Watershed Permit.
Furthermore, as of September 1, 2023, the Town of Barnstable submitted its application for a WP95 Watershed Permit. Our application included the request for a Watershed Permit covering the entire Town of Barnstable, regardless of when, or if, a village was receiving sewer as part of our Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan.
What is the status of Barnstable's Watershed Permit application?
After completing both administrative and technical review with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), the Town’s application has advanced, resulting in a draft permit which was made available for public comment beginning on June 11, 2025.
A copy of the Town’s application and draft permit is accessible via a public notice in the June 11, 2025 (Volume 98, Issue 10) edition of the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act Office’s (MEPA) regulatory publication, The Environmental Monitor, found here: https://eeaonline.eea.state.ma.us/EEA/MEPA-eMonitor/submittal/5cc0a59b-bf0d-4544-acee-0fbaf0775c19
Comments on the proposed action or requests for a public hearing thereon pursuant to 314 CMR 2.07 must be filed with MassDEP within sixty (60) days of the public notice. As of September 2025, the public comment period has closed and the status of the draft permit remains with MassDEP.
Should a favorable determination be made, the Town of Barnstable would be the first community in the Commonwealth to receive a Watershed Permit under the new 2023 regulations.
Water Quality Monitoring
How are Barnstable's saltwater embayments monitored?
Our seven (7) embayments – Barnstable Harbor, Centerville Harbor, Halls Creek, Lewis Bay, Popponessett Bay, Rushy Marsh, and Three Bays – are sampled four times annually throughout July and September. A total of 70 sentinel stations are sampled as part of a collaborative effort involving Town staff (DPW, MEA, and Health), Citizen volunteers, Barnstable Clean Water Coalition, Adjacent Towns, and UMass Dartmouth School for Marine Science and Technology (SMAST).
Measurements are taken for dissolved oxygen, water clarity, nutrients (i.e. nitrogen), chlorophyll, and salinity. Ultimately, our Embayment Monitoring Program provides critical baseline data for our estuaries along with the ability to track nitrogen improvements as we implement the CWMP.
Visit our Embayment Monitoring page to learn more: barnstablewaterresources.com/embayment-monitoring-program
How are Barnstable's ponds and lakes monitored?
There are 163 ponds in Barnstable — 27 ponds greater than 10-acres, 17 public and semi-public freshwater beaches, 12 Town Way to Water locations, 6 boat ramps, and 4 ponds stocked with trout.
There are a number of monitoring initiatives to track the health of our freshwater ponds and lakes, including:
- Ponds and Lakes Snapshot Monitoring (PALS)
- Cyanobacteria Monitoring
- Pond and Lake Management Program
- Rivers and Streams Monitoring and Restoration Projects
Water quality sampling at our freshwater locations looks for excess nutrients, particularly phosphorus, while also testing for low dissolved oxygen, poor water clarity, and algae/cyanobacteria.
Visit our Freshwater Ponds & Lakes Monitoring page to learn more: barnstablewaterresources.com/freshwater-ponds-and-lakes-monitoring
What is cyanobacteria?
Cyanobacteria are microscopic bacteria that live in all types of waterbodies. A large growth of these bacteria results in algal blooms. These blooms can pollute the water and may even be toxic to animals and people.
Barnstable has partnered with the Association to Preserve Cape Cod (APCC), a local non-profit environmental organization, to proactively monitor Cape Cod’s ponds and lakes for cyanobacteria and, more specifically, the toxins they sometimes produce. The monitoring season takes place annually from May through September and is conducted weekly to monthly – the frequency depends on cyanobacteria levels and historic occurrence of blooms.
Visit our Cyanobacteria Monitoring page to learn more: barnstablewaterresources.com/cyanobacteria-monitoring
What is the Ponds and Lakes Stewardship (PALS) Monitoring Program?
Established in 2002, the Pond and Lake Stewardship (PALS) Monitoring Program, provides an annual ‘snapshot’ of the Cape’s pond and lake water quality. Samples are collected and sent for analysis to the Coastal Systems Program lab at the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth School for Marine and Technology (SMAST). Sampling is a collaborative effort involving Town staff, citizen volunteers, and the Barnstable Clean Water Coalition.
Water quality samples take measurements for dissolved oxygen, water clarity, nutrients (i.e. nitrogen, phosphorus), chlorophyll, and pH/alkalinity.
~180 water samples are collected annually over our Spring and late-Summer sampling cycle.
Where can I find water quality data for Barnstable's marine and freshwater environments?
Each year, in accordance with the CWMP’s 208 Plan Consistency Determination, the Town is required to submit its freshwater and embayment water quality monitoring data to the The Cape Cod Commission. This data is then aggregated within the Cape Cod Water Quality Data Portal, which is a map-based viewer that allows users to explore data and trends, viewable by specific monitoring site, pond, or embayment.
Explore Cape-wide water quality data here: Cape Cod Water Quality Data Portal
Drinking Water & PFAS
What are PFAS and how are people exposed to them?
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances are a group of chemical compounds called PFAS. Two PFAS chemicals, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), were extensively produced and are the most studied and regulated of these chemicals. Several other PFAS that are similar to PFOS and PFOA exist. These PFAS are contained in some firefighting foams used to extinguish oil and gas fires. They have also been used in a number of industrial processes and to make carpets, clothing, fabrics for furniture, paper packaging for food and other materials (e.g., cookware) that are resistant to water, grease and stains. Because these chemicals have been used in many consumer products, most people have been exposed to them.
While consumer products and food are the largest source of exposure to these chemicals for most people, drinking water can be an additional source of exposure in communities where these chemicals have contaminated water supplies. Such contamination is typically localized and associated with a specific facility, for example, an airfield at which they were used for firefighting or a facility where these chemicals were produced or used.
Learn more from MassDEP, here: www.mass.gov/info-details/per-and-polyfluoroalkyl-substances-pfas-in-drinking-water
What is the Massachusetts drinking water standard?
On October 2, 2020, MassDEP published its public drinking water standard or Massachusetts Maximum Contaminant Limit (MMCL) of 20 nanograms per liter (ng/L) or parts per trillion (ppt) – for the sum of the concentrations of six PFAS.
The six PFAS are: perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS); perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA); perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS); perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA); perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA); and perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA). MassDEP abbreviates this set of six PFAS as “PFAS6.”
This drinking water standard is set to be protective against adverse health effects for all people consuming the water.
For information on the PFAS6 drinking water standard, visit MassDEP, here: (310 CMR 22.00) The Massachusetts Drinking Water Regulations
What health effects are associated with exposure to PFAS6?
The MassDEP drinking water standard is based on studies of the six PFAS substances in laboratory animals and studies of exposed people. Overall, these studies indicate that exposure to sufficiently elevated levels of the six PFAS compounds may cause developmental effects in fetuses during pregnancy and in breastfed infants. Effects on the thyroid, the liver, kidneys, hormone levels and the immune system have also been reported. Some studies suggest a cancer risk may exist following long-term exposures to elevated levels of some of these compounds.
It is important to note that consuming water with PFAS6 above the drinking water standard does not mean that adverse effects will occur. The degree of risk depends on the level of the chemicals and the duration of exposure.
The drinking water standard assumes that individuals drink only contaminated water, which typically overestimates exposure, and that they are also exposed to PFAS6 from sources beyond drinking water, such as food, packaging, and other consumer products.
If your water has been found to have PFAS6 and you have specific health concerns, you may wish to consult with your doctor.
Learn more from MassDEP, here: www.mass.gov/info-details/per-and-polyfluoroalkyl-substances-pfas-in-drinking-water
How does the Hyannis Water System treat its drinking water?
The Hyannis Water System, which is the only Town owned and operated water system, relies on multiple groundwater supply wells and supplies water to up to 35,000 people.
PFAS was found in the water supply and carbon treatment systems were installed on all supplies between 2015 and 2018 to remove PFAS —starting 5 years prior to MassDEP establishing its statewide drinking water standard.
Each year the Hyannis Water System publishes a Water Quality Report, documenting water testing performed throughout the calendar year. Water samples are collected and analyzed quarterly to ensure the safety and quality of the current water supply, as well as monthly to monitor the treatment process.
What if I am not a Hyannis Water System customer?
There are multiple water districts in the Town of Barnstable — Barnstable Fire District Water Department, Centerville Osterville Marstons Mills (COMM) Fire District Water Department, Cotuit Fire District Water Department, Hyannis Water Supply Division (the only Town-owned and operated water system), and West Barnstable Fire District Water Commission (via private wells).
Each water purveyor is responsible for treating and testing their drinking water supply to comply with federal (EPA) and State (MassDEP) drinking water standards. If you have specific questions regarding treatment of your drinking water supply, we recommend you contact your water purveyor directly.
- Barnstable Fire District Water Department: https://www.barnstablefiredistrict.com/
- COMM Water Department: https://www.commwater.com/
- Cotuit Fire District Water Department: https://www.cotuitfiredistrict.org/waterdepartment/
- West Barnstable Fire District Water Commission: https://wbfdems.org/water-commission
Have there been any local studies related to PFAS exposure?
Yes, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) have provided funding for a PFAS multi-site health study, which includes communities in 8 different states (CA, CO, MA, MI, NH, NJ, NY, and PA). The sites selected are based in communities with documented PFAS drinking water contamination, with the goal to improve the understanding of PFAS-related health effects.
Hyannis, Massachusetts is one of two communities within the State selected to participate in the study. The study is being led by Silent Spring Institute with collaboration from Harvard School of Public Health, Eastern Research Group and the Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition.
PFAS & Your Health Study Milestones:
- Sept. 2019: Silent Spring Institute awarded grant from CDC/ATSDR
- Sept. 2021: CDC/ATSDR recieves approval for study protocols
- Nov. 2021: Launch of study enrollment in Hyannis
- Sept. 2023: End of data collection across all sites
- Jan. 2024: All report-back letters sent to study participants
- June 2024: Community meetings with initial PFAS results
Hyannis enrollment included 385 adults and 41 children (ages 4-17). Participation included a blood draw and clinical visit, questionnaire, neurobehavioral tests (children only), and reconstruction of past PFAS exposures.
Learn more via Silent Spring Institute, here: https://silentspring.org/project/cdcatsdr-multi-site-health-study-pfas/massachusetts-pfas-and-your-health-study
Where can I learn more about PFAS mitigation on Cape Cod?
The former Barnstable County Municipal Fire Training Site was contaminated with chemicals referred to as PFAS. The PFAS are believed to be from the fire training activities that took place from the 1970s to 2009 with foams specifically formulated to fight certain types of fires. Unknown to all, PFAS in the foams were contaminating the soil, the groundwater beneath and downgradient of the facility, and Flintrock Pond directly to the west of the former training site.
The PFAS release is regulated by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) under the Massachusetts Contingency Plan, the environmental regulations that govern the assessment and cleanup of uncontrolled releases of oil or hazardous materials.
Barnstable County has well documented mitigation timelines, remediation planning, status reports, recorded public meetings and more. To learn more, visit the County’s PFAS Mitigation page, here: https://www.capecod.gov/pfas-mitigation/
