Well Water Safety

Public water systems throughout Rhode Island are now testing for a group of chemicals called PFAS. Although almost everyone has some amount of PFAS in their blood, studies are showing that we should all be trying to limit our exposure to PFAS. Water from two systems in Exeter had higher levels of these chemicals: the Ladd Center and Carousel Industries. (A third site – Exeter Job Corps – gets its water from the Ladd Center.) The causes of these high levels are being investigated.

At this time, there is no evidence that it is unsafe to drink water from private wells in the community. However, testing for PFAS is a good idea for private well owners. If people have questions about private well testing, you can contact the Rhode Island Department of Health: 401-222-6867; DOH.RIDWQ@health.ri.gov.

Additional resources:

General information about PFAS

FAQs about PFAS and drinking water

General information about private well testing for PFAS (scroll to the bottom)

Specific information about private well testing for PFAS (including companies that test, on page 4)

Steps to minimize your exposure to PFAS:

• Test drinking water from private wells.
• If you have higher levels of PFAS in the water from your private well, contact the Rhode Island Department of Health’s Private Well Program to talk about next steps (222-6867, DOH.RIDWQ@health.ri.gov).
• Avoid common PFAS sources, including grease-resistant food packaging, such as microwave popcorn bags, stain-resistant carpeting, and waterproof clothing.
• When possible, avoid purchasing products advertised as water, grease, and stain-resistant. When these products are thrown away and then burned, composted, or sent to a landfill, PFAS can enter the environment.