Letter To The Editor: More Info Needed On PFAS Response

This letter to the editor from Woburn resident Leah Bartell was also sent to Woburn Water Treatment Plant Manager Anthony Blazejowski:

Dear Mr. Blazejowski,

• increased cholesterol levels
• changes in the liver
• decreases in infant birth weight
• risks to pregnant women
• decreased fertility
• increased risk of asthma and thyroid disease
• increased risks of some types of cancer
• and, of significant concern during the COVID-19 pandemic, reduced antibody response to vaccines, especially in children.

I understand that Woburn has offered rebates for purchasing bottled water to high-risk individuals, but this rebate is less than adequate for many families who are already in financial distress due to the pandemic.

It is completely unacceptable that there are toxic chemicals in our drinking water, and many families do not have the resources to pay for bottled water in the amounts they need. In addition, bottled water has significant environmental impacts, including, but not limited to increased pollution from the production of plastic bottles and increased trash and litter in communities (86% of plastic water bottles become trash or litter according to a Harvard study).

I would like answers to the following questions:

• What concrete actions is Woburn taking to bring down the level of PFAS in the water to meet MA safe drinking water standards?
• What is the timeline for these actions?
• Why is the Woburn water supply affected and not neighboring communities? This is an embarrassment, considering we live in one of the wealthiest areas of the country.

Sincerely,
Leah Bartell
Woburn, MA

This letter was produced by Woburn resident Leah Bartell. The views expressed are the author's own.