Town Meeting voters will be asked to approve the appropriation of nearly $3 million in settlement funds to address PFAS contamination in the Weir River Water System.
The article seeks authorization to spend $2.99 million awarded to the town as part of a nationwide class-action lawsuit targeting manufacturers of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS. These long-lasting chemicals, often referred to as “forever chemicals,” have been linked to contamination in public drinking water systems across the country.
The settlement stems from thousands of lawsuits consolidated in federal court in South Carolina. Several companies were found responsible for contributing to PFAS contamination in municipal water supplies, leading to financial settlements with affected communities, including Hingham.
Health officials have raised concerns about PFAS exposure. Research funded by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences has identified potential links to cancer, Type 2 diabetes, and liver damage.
Although the funds have already been awarded to Hingham, state law requires Town Meeting approval before the money can be spent. The Select Board unanimously recommended favorable action on the article.
Russell Tierney, superintendent of the Weir River Water System, said the funding will support a comprehensive approach to reducing PFAS levels in the town’s water supply.
The initial phase will include a full evaluation of the treatment plant, its operational capacity, and current PFAS concentrations. From there, the town will project future levels over a six-year period to ensure compliance with state standards, which require certain PFAS compounds to be reduced to four parts per trillion.
Based on that analysis, engineers will develop recommendations for system upgrades and treatment solutions, with initial design guidance expected by mid-summer.
“We will utilize the appropriation for PFAS mitigation studies, recommendations, designs, and upgrades within the Weir River Water System,” Tierney said.
Hingham has already received two payments from the settlement totaling approximately $2.99 million, distributed in June and September 2025. Tierney said the town expects to receive an additional $1 million in future installments.
Select Board Chair William Ramsey said the funding provides a critical opportunity to address the issue without placing additional burden on taxpayers.
“It’s wonderful we have the ability to do it, and hopefully the equipment that we will need is going to be within budget of the funds,” Ramsey said.