PUBLIC NOTICE

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR DRINKING WATER

Tests Show High Levels of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Water Supplied by: PWS #Rl2000133

Wood River Health Services

We routinely test drinking water for substances that can harm health. Recent tests indicate the presence of chemicals called PFAS in our drinking water.

If PFAS are found above a certain level, the Rhode Island Department of Health {RIDOH) requires public water systems to advise people not to drink the water. The amount of PFAS in our system's drinking water was below this level. However, the level of PFAS in our drinking water was above Rhode Island's new state standard. For that reason, we are required to take steps to lower the PFAS level in our drinking water. This is important because long-term health effects could potentially result from consuming PFAS. Information is available below on ways that people can limit their exposure to PFAS in drinking water while these water system improvements are being made.

Six PFAS chemicals are regulated in Rhode Island. The Rhode Island interim drinking water standard (the highest level allowed) for PFAS is 20 parts per trillion (ppt). This means that the total amount of the six PFAS chemicals (sum) measured in a drinking water system cannot be higher than 20 ppt.

The six PFAS chemicals are PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid), PFOS (perfluoro octane sulfonic acid), PFHxS (perfluoro hexane sulfonic acid), PFHpA (perfluoro heptanoic acid), PFNA (perfluoro nonanoic acid), and PFDA (perfluoro decanoic acid). These limits were established by Rhode Island statute (RI Gen. Laws 46-32).

Wood River Health exceeded the PFAS interim standard of 20 ppt on 11/25/26 . This means that test results showed more PFAS in the water than is allowed by Rhode Island law.

The results are listed in the table below.

Water Sample Collection Spot: Drilled Well #1 (WL001)

Final Result (used to determine compliance with State Law): 31.6 PPT

We are sharing data for each spot in the drinking water system that was tested for PFAS. Public

water systems were required to test water by July 1, 2023 (the first test). If the first test showed PFAS at or above 20 ppt, the system was required to do another test (the confirmation test).

The final (compliance) result is calculated by RIDOH. It is the average of the first test and confirmation test for each location. RIDOH uses the final result to see if it is higher or lower than what is allowed by State law and to decide what needs to be done next.

Where do PFAS come from?

PFAS are found in many different products that are made to repel water, grease, or stains, like carpets, clothing, non-stick pans, paints, polishes, waxes, cleaning products, and food packaging. Firefighters and the military use them in fire-suppressing foam to fight fires involving gasoline or oil.

PFAS can enter the soil, air, and water from many sources, including when products containing PFAS are used, thrown away, or burned. PFAS can last in the environment for a long time.

How are people exposed to PFAS?

Nearly everyone has a low level of PFAS in their blood. People can be exposed to PFAS by eating food, drinking water, accidentally swallowing dust, or breathing air polluted with PFAS. When people are exposed, PFAS can build up in the body. The amount of PFAS in the body can increase to the point where it can harm health.

What are the health effects of PFAS?

Studies have shown certain PFAS can cause negative health effects, including higher cholesterol levels, lower infant birth weights, weakened immune response, and an increased risk of some cancers, including prostate, kidney, and testicular cancers. The more PFAS you are exposed to through higher drinking water levels and/or other sources, the more PFAS will eventually accumulate (build up) in your body and the  greater the risk of health effects developing over time. Infants and young children with developing immune systems; people who are breastfeeding, pregnant, or who may become pregnant; and people with compromised immune systems are particularly at risk. Learn more about PFAS at health.ri.gov/pfas.

What should I do?

  • Water shown to have very low levels of PFAS should be used for drinking, preparing food, cooking, brushing teeth, and any activity that might result in swallowing water.
  • DO NOT boil your water. Boiling water will concentrate (increase the level of) these chemicals in the boiled water.
  • You can lower your risk of exposure to PFAS by using bottled water or other licensed drinking water that has been tested for these chemicals. Bottled water companies are not required by the Food and Drug Administration to test for PFAS, but many do. Many bottled water companies use treatment that removes PFAS. Contact bottled water manufacturers to ask about PFAS results in bottled water prior to using bottled water to replace drinking water with high PFAS levels.
  • You can add water treatment at your house. Make sure the treatment is certified by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) to remove PFAS, The treatment will need to be maintained frequently by you or a professional. If you do not properly maintain it, the levels of PFAS in your drinking water can go up. Information for consumers can be found on the NSF website at Water Safety, Water Purification and Bottled Water NSF.
  • Parents who use formula for infants may consider using a formula that does not require adding water.
  • Bathing or Swimming: Showering, bathing, or swimming are not a major source of exposure to PFAS. As a precaution, you may consider shorter showers or baths, especially for children who may swallow water while playing in the bath or for people with skin conditions (rashes, cuts, etc.)
  • Washing Dishes and Clothes: Doing laundry or washing dishes are not a major source of exposure to PFAS.
  • Using a Humidifier: If you must use a humidifier, only use water from a safe source.

What is being done?

  • Wood River Health is taking many steps to lower the PFAS levels:
  • Wood River Health will monitor for these PFAS compounds quarterly.
  • Wood River Health is required to enter into a Consent Agreement with RIDOH, which will include a Corrective Action Plan to remediate and remove the PFAS in the water system. We expect this remediation to be complete by Summer 2026.
  • You will receive a public notice every 90 days until the PFAS levels are lower than 20 ppt. The public notices will include updates on what we have done to lower the PFAS levels.

For more information, please contact Alison Croke at Wood River Health by phone 401-539-2461 or by email at acroke@woodriverhealth.org.

This notice is being sent to you by Wood River Health, PWS ID#: RI2000133 823 Main St. Hope Valley, RI 02832

Date distributed: March 25, 2026