Norwell Plans New Water Treatment Plant to Address PFAS

The Norwell Water Department has proposed an $18 million water treatment facility to address rising PFAS levels in the town’s water supply. Officials say the new plant would help bring Norwell’s water quality in line with both state and anticipated federal regulations.

The project, which will require voter approval, will be presented as a warrant article at the upcoming town meeting. Water Department officials are seeking funding through a state program that offers 0% interest loans and potential principal forgiveness. If approved, construction is expected to begin in the coming years, with the facility projected to be operational by the end of 2027.

"One of the other items for our budget this year is going to be a proposed new water treatment plant to treat both Washington Street and Grove Street," said Jason Federico, Norwell Water Superintendent. "Washington Street, the fourth quarter of 24 had PFAS levels over the state limit over 20 parts per trillion."

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are synthetic chemicals linked to health risks. Norwell has been monitoring its levels, and officials say the rise in PFAS concentration is likely due to last year’s drought, which altered the groundwater composition.

"We put in for the federal funding, federal slash state funding for that project," Federico said. "Hopefully getting the 0% interest again and potentially principal forgiveness, but the goal would be to get that online by 2027, end of 2027 would be the goal to again get back to PFAS free water."

The town has also joined a national lawsuit settlement against chemical manufacturers 3M and DuPont, seeking compensation for past PFAS-related expenses. The first disbursement of settlement funds is expected within the next 60 days.

"We haven't gotten the final numbers on that, but we're expecting hopefully the first disbursement in the next 60 days," Federico said. "We believe we're going to get a hundred percent of DuPont settlement in the first year and 55% of 3M’s in the first year as well."

Frederick H. St. Ours, Chair of the Norwell Water Department, noted that the town's water supply could potentially see natural PFAS reductions if weather conditions change.

"If that theory is correct, then Washington Street has a chance of correcting itself all by itself if we get back into normal rainfall," St. Ours said. "It remains to be seen, and we don't really know exactly why we've had this spike at Washington Street."

The Water Department has emphasized that the town’s water remains safe to drink, but continued investment in treatment is necessary to meet increasingly strict regulations.

Peter Dillon, Clerk of the Water Department Board, acknowledged the complexity of balancing water treatment costs with ongoing rate adjustments.

"Now that we've got the treatment, it doesn't matter as much," Dillon said. "And don't forget that those people that are paying $10,000 a month—it's not like we don't want their money."

The funding decision for the new treatment plant will be put to a vote at the upcoming town meeting.

To watch the full video of the meeting, visit Norwell Spotlight TV.

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