Water tests recently collected for our system show that the level of PFAS in a water source at this facility is 24.6 parts per trillion (ppt). This is above the State drinking water standard for PFAS which is 20 ppt (parts per trillion). PFAS refers to a family of chemicals that have been used for a long time in many household and industrial products. PFAS in drinking water can come from industrial or agricultural sources: We are required by State rule to inform you of these levels, let you know the health risks and let you know what is being done to address this issue.
The Sugarloaf Water Association completed testing of all of our water supplies in 2022; test results are listed in the table below:
| SOURCE | DATE SAMPLED | PFAS TOTAL | REPORTING LIMIT | Are results above the Maine limit of 20 ng/L |
| East Reservoir Entry(Wells 1, 5, and 6) | 10/04/2022 | Not Detected | 2ppt | NO |
| Well #2 | 10/04/2022 | 24.6ppt | 2ppt | YES – well was taken out of service 10/20/2022 |
| Well #3 | 10/04/2022 | Not Detected | 2ppt | NO |
| Well #4 | 10/04/2022 | 10ppt | 2ppt | NO |
| West Reservoir Entry(Wells 7, 8, and South Branch Carrabassett River) | 10/04/2022 | Not Detected | 2ppt | NO |
Notes:
ng/L = nanograms per liter or parts per trillion
ND = the contaminant has not been detected. If a contaminant is not found in a sample, the result will show ND – not detected.
The reporting level is 2ppt for the PFAS test method. There is currently no technology to measure lower than 2 ppt accurately. The reporting level is the lowest concentration of the substance tested that can be reported reliably under normal laboratory conditions.
Samples were taken at the entry point to the distribution system after treatment
What is Being Done:
SUGARLOAF WATER ASSOCIATION is taking the following steps to correct the problem:
The ground water source that tested above the drinking water standard of 20 ppt for PFAS was taken offline on 10/20/2022.
This problem was corrected on 10/20/2022.
For general information on PFAS and the State requirements, please visit the Maine Drinking Water Program’s website at: https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/environmental-health/dwp/pws/pfas.shtml