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Concerns about water safety have intensified in Woodstock after recent tests detected "forever chemicals" in the town's water supply. Officials announced that both PFOS (Perfluorooctanesulfonate acid) and PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic acid) were found in two town wells, raising alarms among residents. These chemicals, known as PFAS, are persistent in the environment and can accumulate in the human body, potentially leading to serious health issues such as cancer.
The latest water test results from March 11, 2025, revealed PFOS levels of 3.39 parts per trillion (PPT) in Well 1 and an increase to 3.67 PPT in Well 2. PFOA was detected at 2.06 PPT in Well 2, marking its first appearance in the town's water. These findings were discussed at a recent Town Board meeting, where residents expressed their concerns and called for immediate action to address the contamination.
Woodstock Supervisor Bill McKenna stated that a filtering system is being designed to reduce the levels of these chemicals to below the state's maximum limit, which is set to decrease to 4 PPT by 2029. The system will likely require the construction of an additional building to house the necessary equipment.
Critics have urged for extensive testing to identify the contamination source, with some suspecting nearby septic systems or an old manufacturing site as potential culprits. Despite these concerns, McKenna emphasized the need to explore all possible sources before expanding testing efforts.
The situation has prompted calls for swift action to protect the community's health and preserve the integrity of Woodstock's aquifer, a vital resource for the town's water supply.