The Conservation Law Foundation calls for Governor McKee to act following report of contamination in Cape Cod drinking water
Environmental advocates are urging Rhode Island Governor Daniel J. McKee to regulate “forever chemicals” that can contaminate drinking water. JIM COLE/ASSOCIATED PRESS
PROVIDENCE — Environmental advocates are calling for Governor Daniel J. McKee to adopt state regulations for “forever chemicals” that can contaminate drinking water.
The calls follow a new study that shows the main drinking water sources for tens of thousands of people on Cape Cod contain elevated levels of the toxic chemicals, which can come from firefighting foam, Teflon, and food packaging. Harvard University scientists report that watersheds around Mashpee have 40 times more PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) than new Massachusetts rules allow.
Rhode Island lacks similar regulations, but it is no stranger to PFAS contamination. In 2017, officials were forced to hand out bottled water after discovering that the Oakland Association water system in the rural town of Burrillville had elevated levels of PFAS, which have been linked to cancer, low infant birth weights, and suppression of the immune system.
Source: www.bostonglobe.com/2021/03/09/metro/advocates-urge-ri-regulate-forever-chemicals-drinking-water/