Recent Study By State Shows Probability Of Exceeding Arsenic And Uranium Standards In Private Wells

A study put out this week by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection looked at the levels of naturally occurring arsenic and uranium found in private water wells in a portion of the MetroWest region including Dover and Sherborn.

While the study did not have specific number levels for Dover or Sherborn it said that a type of bedrock found in large portions of both towns (covering over 60% of each town, respectively) "generally have an increased probability of containing naturally occurring radionuclides such as radium, uranium, or radon in well water at concentrations exceeding public drinking water limits."

Dover-Sherborn Patch sat down with Sherborn Health Agent Mark Oram to discuss what is done at the town-level by way of testing and awareness.

Oram stated that the impacts of the findings of the study would have long-term effects but that because everybody in Sherborn has a private well, they should all be aware of the those impacts.

“They’re all private, except for the center of town where they serve more than 25 people a day, so residentially it’s all private water in town," said Oram who estimated that there are over 1000 private wells in Sherborn.

Sherborn requires testing for the drilling of repair wells and for new wells. In order to get a well permit they must test for a number of bacteriological and chemical agents including: total coliform bacteria, total iron, lead, total alkalinity, manganese, and arsenic.

But they currently do not require testing for uranium.

Oram anticipates that the board of health will discuss adding uranium to the list of required tests for the town. 

“I have a feeling this is going to go to the board of health, the full three-member board, and they’ll review that to see if they wish to start uranium testing or for any other radionuclide,” he said. “The board will review that side of it and see what they wish to do, most likely at their next meeting.”

After a new well is approved there are no required inspections or testing done on the well. That includes already existing wells in town.

Therefore it is up to the owner to do bacteriological and chemical testing. However, the Sherborn Board of Health recommends that these tests be done every three years.

The study by the state recommends that those with private wells test for uranium and arsenic and buy treatment for those whose well water is above state public water drinking limits.

“It will impact towns and cities that have private wells, including Sherborn,” Oram said. “Anyone with a private well should be following what the state recommended.”

Oram said he thinks that the study was a good thing which should help increase awareness of what could lurk in your well water.

According to the Mass. DEP website, long-term exposure to arsenic and/or uranium could increase the risk of cancer along with other health risks.

“I believe so. Because it is naturally occurring and I think awareness of your well, that you’re drinking from an underground source, it’s always important to be aware," Oram said.