Residents press for broader PFAS testing, public outreach and health monitoring

Commission member Marie pushed DEES to expand testing and public information beyond the four PFAS compounds currently regulated in New Hampshire. Marie said homeowners deserve to know what they are consuming and expressed concern that shorter-chain PFAS (which are not among the state’s four regulated analytes) can break through POET systems and may pose dermal and cumulative exposure risks. "When people learn the information about PFAS, they conclude they don't want any of this in their water," Marie said, arguing for wider panels and clearer homeowner guidance.

Mike (DEES) responded that DEES currently analyzes the four compounds regulated in New Hampshire and that the agency may not be in a position to compel the company to test for nonregulated substances. He acknowledged that shorter-chain compounds may break through earlier and said DEES will look into educational materials and outreach. A DEES-affiliated utility representative described a lead/lag vessel change-out policy that can require frequent swaps—sometimes monthly—when short-chain breakthrough appears, and recommended an informational packet for POET owners clarifying that not all PFAS are tested and what residents can do.

Connie (DHHS) restated DHHS’s historic role in public-health response—blood testing exercises, epidemiology and community meetings—and noted DEES has been the lead regulatory agency for remediation and alternate-water remedies. Commissioners suggested DHHS and DEES jointly ensure the Dartmouth/New Hampshire PFAS fact sheet is accessible and distributed with test results and considered for a mailer to affected households. Don recommended DEES provide specific follow-up for homeowners with anomalous influent results and suggested residents contact DEES staff for one-on-one guidance.

Why it matters: homeowners with POET systems and those living near the groundwater management zone expressed anxiety about limited testing panels, confusing sampling cadences and the long-term health implications of short-chain PFAS. Officials said improved outreach and clear, timely results are essential to public confidence.

Next steps: DEES agreed to consider an outreach session and to follow up with individual residents; commissioners requested DEES and DHHS coordinate distribution of an updated PFAS fact sheet and consider community information meetings.