Public Notice: Important Information About Your Drinking Water
Water System: Wood River Health Services (PWS ID RI2000133)
We routinely test drinking water for substances that can affect health. Recent test results show the presence of chemicals called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in our drinking water.
What you need to know
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 PFAS level in our system was below this advisory level. However, it was above Rhode Island’s state standard.
Because of this, Wood River Health is required to take steps to reduce PFAS levels. Long-term exposure to PFAS may have impacts on health. Information below explains how you can reduce your exposure while improvements are underway.
PFAS standards in Rhode Island
Rhode Island regulates six PFAS chemicals. The state standard is 20 parts per trillion (ppt), which is the maximum allowed combined level of these chemicals in drinking water.
- Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)
- Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS)
- Perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS)
- Perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA)
- Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA)
- Perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA)
These limits are established under Rhode Island General Laws 46-32.
Test results
Wood River Health exceeded the PFAS interim standard of 20 ppt on March 26, 2026.
PFAS Test Results
- Water sample location: Drilled Well #1 (WL001)
- Final result used to determine compliance: 20.5 parts per trillion (ppt)
About these results
The final compliance result is calculated by RIDOH as the average of initial and confirmation tests. This value determines whether the system meets or exceeds state standards.
Where PFAS come from
PFAS are chemicals used to make products resistant to water, grease, or stains. They are found in items such as carpets, clothing, nonstick cookware, food packaging, firefighting foam, and cleaning products.
PFAS can enter soil, air, and water when products are used, disposed of, or burned. These chemicals remain in the environment for a long time.
How people are exposed
Most people have low levels of PFAS in their bodies. Exposure can occur through drinking water, food, dust, or air. Over time, PFAS can build up in the body and may increase the risk of health effects.
Health effects of PFAS
Studies show that certain PFAS may contribute to increased cholesterol levels, lower infant birth weight, reduced immune response, and increased risk of some cancers such as prostate, kidney, and testicular cancer.
People at higher risk include infants, young children, pregnant individuals, people who are breastfeeding, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Learn more at Rhode Island Department of Health PFAS information page.
Steps you can take
- Use water with very low PFAS levels for drinking, cooking, and brushing teeth.
- Do not boil water. Boiling increases PFAS concentration.
- Consider using bottled water or tested water sources. Contact manufacturers about PFAS testing results.
- Install water treatment certified by NSF International to remove PFAS. Proper maintenance is essential.
- Parents may consider infant formula that does not require adding water.
- Shorter showers may reduce ingestion risk for children or those with skin conditions.
- Washing dishes and laundry are not major exposure sources.
- Only use safe water in humidifiers.
For information about certified water treatment, visit NSF International consumer water safety page.
What is being done
- Quarterly monitoring of PFAS levels
- Development of a corrective action plan with RIDOH
- Implementation of remediation to reduce PFAS levels, expected by summer 2026
- Public updates issued every 90 days until levels meet standards
Contact information
Contact Alison Croke at Wood River Health:
Phone: 401-539-2461
System information:
Wood River Health Services
823 Main Street, Hope Valley, RI 02832
PWS ID RI2000133
Date distributed: June 1, 2026