The selection committee decided on Tuesday that the town’s temporary solution to the problem of potentially harmful chemicals in its water supply is to rent or purchase a filtration system for the problematic Fruit Street well.

In addition, residents identified as sensitive groups-babies, pregnant women, breastfeeding women, and immunocompromised people-will be compensated for buying bottled water because they are advised not to drink or cook in the town until the problem passes the PFA (Man-made perfluorinated and polyfluoroalkyl substances) resolved. Boiling water is not a remedy, because it actually makes the PFA in the water more concentrated.

The director of the Public Works Department, John Westlin, explained to the selection committee that those who are not in the sensitive group are not considered at risk and can continue to use the town's water.

"When we considered our options, we surveyed the communities around us that were also struggling with PFA issues," Westling said. "As I said before, 60 communities in the Commonwealth are dealing with this issue. We are also working with [environmental consulting firm] Weston & Sampson to understand what the community is doing."

The town identified four temporary solutions and sent out questionnaires to residents to solicit their opinions. The first is to reimburse customers who purchase bottled water. The second is to install a temporary treatment system as a bottling station for customers to collect water. The third is to install a temporary treatment system for Well 6-using granular activated carbon or ion exchange technology-and purchase reusable filter containers. The fourth is the same as the third, except that the filter containers will be rented.

Approximately 500 customers responded to the survey, option 3 was an overwhelming choice, and more than 400 people chose it.

The town administrator initially supported the fourth option, but worried about usability issues, which led them to support option 3 or 4.

Westerling said the long-term solution is a permanent filtration system and/or connection to the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) water supply system.

Selected board member Amy Ritterbusch recommends more active outreach activities to ensure that those who may belong to sensitive subgroups are informed.

"We can't over-communicate on this issue," added member Muriel Kramer, who supports Ritterbusch's proposal to automatically make calls to all residents.

Member Brendan Tedstone reminded the public that the federal health guidelines allow PFA content in water as high as 70 ppb, which is far below the Massachusetts standard of 20 ppb. Hopkinton exceeded the state limit for three consecutive months — the highest recorded total was 28 — and made the town a violation.

Nearly 50% of respondents indicated that they are willing to support the increase in water tariffs to cover the cost of temporary solutions. About 25% of people opposed it, and about 25% said it was possible.

The three-year estimated total cost of option 3 (purchase filter) is between 500,000 and 600,000 US dollars. Option 4 (lease) is expected to cost US$600,000 over three years, with installation costs ranging from US$140,000 to US$160,000, plus a monthly rental fee of US$12,000 to 14,000.

"We are looking for all opportunities to offset costs," Westlin said, noting that the town may seek emergency purchases to avoid having to convene a special town meeting to approve expenditures.

Leah Stanton, vice president of Weston & Sampson's water supply project, said the town might be able to get some funding through the grant program.

The Hopkinton Independent is mailed free to every family and business in Hopkinton. 8,300 circulation.

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