Important Information About Our Drinking Water

Per‑ and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

Public Water System (PWS) ID: RI2000133

Wood River Health routinely tests its drinking water for substances that may affect health. Recent test results show the presence of chemicals known as per‑ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in our drinking water.

What Was Found

The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) requires public water systems to notify customers if PFAS levels exceed certain thresholds.

  • The PFAS level in our drinking water was below the advisory level that requires a “do not drink” notice.
  • However, the level exceeded Rhode Island’s interim drinking water standard.
  • Because of this, Wood River Health is required to take steps to reduce PFAS levels.

Reducing PFAS is important because long‑term exposure may lead to health effects. Guidance on how to reduce exposure is provided below while improvements are underway.

PFAS Standards in Rhode Island

Rhode Island regulates six PFAS chemicals. The interim drinking water standard is 20 parts per trillion (ppt). This is the maximum allowed combined level of the six regulated PFAS chemicals.

The regulated PFAS chemicals are:

  • PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid)
  • PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonic acid)
  • PFHxS (perfluorohexane sulfonic acid)
  • PFHpA (perfluoroheptanoic acid)
  • PFNA (perfluorononanoic acid)
  • PFDA (perfluorodecanoic acid)

These limits are established under Rhode Island General Laws §46‑32.

Test Results and Compliance Information

On November 25, 2025, Wood River Health exceeded the interim PFAS standard.

Water Sample Location:
Drilled Well #1 (WL001)

Final Compliance Result:
31.6 parts per trillion (ppt)

The final compliance result is calculated by RIDOH as the average of the initial test and the required confirmation test. RIDOH uses this result to determine compliance with state law and next steps.

Where PFAS Come From

PFAS are used in many products designed to resist water, grease, or stains. These products may include:

  • Carpets and clothing
  • Non‑stick cookware
  • Paints, waxes, and polishes
  • Cleaning products and food packaging

PFAS are also used in some fire‑fighting foams. These chemicals can enter soil, air, and water and can remain in the environment for long periods.

How People Are Exposed

Most people have low levels of PFAS in their bodies. Exposure can occur through:

  • Drinking water
  • Food
  • Dust or air containing PFAS

PFAS can build up in the body over time and may increase health risks with long‑term exposure.

Potential Health Effects

Studies have linked certain PFAS to:

  • Higher cholesterol levels
  • Lower infant birth weight
  • Reduced immune response
  • Increased risk of certain cancers, including kidney, prostate, and testicular cancers

Infants and young children, pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, and people with weakened immune systems may be at higher risk.

Learn more at health.ri.gov/pfas.

What You Can Do

  • Use water with very low PFAS levels for drinking, cooking, preparing food, and brushing teeth.
  • Do not boil water. Boiling increases PFAS concentration.
  • Consider using bottled or licensed drinking water that has been tested for PFAS.
  • If using bottled water, contact the manufacturer for PFAS testing information.
  • Use home water treatment systems certified by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) to remove PFAS. These systems must be properly maintained.
  • Parents who use infant formula may consider ready‑to‑feed formula that does not require adding water.
  • Showering and bathing are not major exposure sources. Shorter showers may be considered as a precaution.
  • Laundry and dishwashing are not significant exposure routes.
  • If using a humidifier, use water from a safe source.

What Wood River Health Is Doing

Wood River Health is taking the following actions:

  • Monitoring PFAS levels quarterly
  • Entering a Consent Agreement with RIDOH, including a Corrective Action Plan
  • Working toward remediation, expected to be completed by Summer 2026
  • Providing public updates every 90 days until PFAS levels are below 20 ppt

For More Information

Contact Alison Croke
Wood River Health
Phone: 401‑539‑2461
Email: acroke@woodriverhealth.org

Issued by:
Wood River Health
Public Water System ID: RI2000133
823 Main Street, Hope Valley, RI 02832

Date Distributed: March 25, 2026