Historical Archive · This site is no longer maintained · Content preserved as a record of past water protection efforts

PFAS in Wayland's Water

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are a class of "forever chemicals" detected in water supplies nationwide. This page documents how Wayland tracked, treated, and prevented PFAS contamination.

6,000+
Types of PFAS chemicals
99%+
Removal efficiency with GAC
20 ppt
EPA health advisory level

What are PFAS?

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of thousands of synthetic chemicals that have been used in industry and consumer products since the 1940s. They are sometimes called "forever chemicals" because of how persistent they are in the environment.

Common Uses

  • Firefighting foam
  • Non-stick cookware
  • Water-resistant clothing
  • Stain-resistant fabrics & carpets
  • Cosmetics

Key Characteristics

  • Extremely persistent in environment
  • Bioaccumulative in humans and wildlife
  • Mobile in groundwater
  • Found worldwide in water, soil, and air

Common Sources

  • Industrial sites and airports
  • Landfills
  • Wastewater treatment plants
  • Agricultural runoff

Health Effects of PFAS

Scientific understanding of PFAS health effects continues to evolve. The following are potential effects that have been associated with PFAS exposure in published research.

Potential impacts from exposure

  • Increased cholesterol levels
  • Changes in liver enzymes
  • Decreased vaccine response
  • Increased high blood pressure risk during pregnancy
  • Small decreases in infant birth weights
  • Increased kidney and testicular cancer risk

Vulnerable populations

  • Pregnant women — PFAS crosses the placenta
  • Infants and children — higher exposure relative to body weight
  • Elderly population — compromised immune systems

PFAS in Wayland's Water Supply

Testing for PFAS began in 2019 via a statewide sampling initiative. Initial results prompted Wayland to plan and build the treatment system that brought PFOS and PFOA below detection.

Testing Timeline

2019Initial detection via statewide sampling
2020Regular monitoring program started
2021Treatment system designed and approved
2023GAC treatment online; PFAS driven below detection

Current Status

  • ✅ Treatment system active
  • PFOS (current): < 2 ppt
  • PFOA (current): < 2 ppt
  • EPA Health Advisory: 20 ppt
Wayland's treated water has remained well below the EPA health advisory level since the treatment system came online.

PFAS Removal Technology

The treatment system combines proven filtration, continuous monitoring, and safe disposal of the captured contaminants.

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Granular Activated Carbon (GAC)

Greater than 99% removal efficiency. Proven technology with regular monitoring of breakthrough.

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Continuous Monitoring

24/7 system monitoring with monthly PFAS testing and automated alerts for any out-of-range values.

Safe Disposal

Spent carbon is sent to EPA-approved disposal facilities — no environmental release, full documentation.

Prevention & Source Protection

Treating PFAS at the wellhead is one half of the answer. Keeping new sources of contamination out of the recharge area is the other.

Community Actions

  • Wellhead protection with strict land-use controls
  • Industrial oversight of potential PFAS sources
  • Public education campaigns

What You Can Do

  • Use PFAS-free cookware when possible
  • Avoid stain-resistant treatments
  • Choose PFAS-free personal care products
  • Properly dispose of products containing PFAS
  • Support PFAS-free alternatives

Additional Resources

Local Information