Massachusetts Guide
PFAS Contamination in Massachusetts — What You Need to Know
Massachusetts has some of the most significant PFAS contamination in the country. Here is where it has been found, what the state is doing about it, and how to protect your drinking water right now.
Last updated: April 2026 · By the PFASFilterGuide team
Massachusetts PFAS Standard
Combined MCL of 20 ppt for six PFAS compounds: PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, PFHxS, PFHpA, and HFPO-DA (GenX).
Massachusetts adopted a Maximum Contaminant Level of 20 ppt for the sum of six PFAS compounds in 2020 — the first state in the US to regulate a combination of PFAS rather than individual compounds. This approach is stricter than simply capping individual compounds, since it limits the total PFAS burden. For example, if a system has 15 ppt PFOA and 10 ppt PFOS, that is 25 ppt combined and would exceed the limit even though neither compound alone does.
Known Contamination Sites
These are publicly documented PFAS detections in Massachusetts. This is not a complete list — new sites are found regularly as testing expands.
| Location | Source | PFAS Level |
|---|---|---|
| Ayer / Devens (Worcester County) | Former Fort Devens / Devens Industrial area AFFF use | PFOS and PFOA detected above MCL in multiple wells serving the Devens community |
| Westfield (Hampden County) | Barnes Air National Guard Base | PFAS above state MCL detected in municipal wells — Westfield was forced to shut down affected sources |
| South Weymouth (Norfolk County) | Former South Weymouth Naval Air Station | PFAS contamination in groundwater from historical AFFF use |
| Acushnet / New Bedford area (Bristol County) | Industrial discharge and Superfund sites | PFAS detected in private wells near industrial sites |
| Tyngsborough / Dracut (Middlesex County) | Landfill leachate and industrial sources | Multiple PFAS compounds above detection limits in monitoring wells |
| North Dartmouth (Bristol County) | Firefighting training at regional airport | PFAS contamination in wells downhill from airport training areas |
Military Base Contamination
AFFF firefighting foam used on military bases is one of the largest sources of PFAS groundwater contamination. The Department of Defense has identified these Massachusetts bases:
Former Fort Devens / Devens Reservation (Ayer)
Significant PFAS contamination from decades of AFFF training. Army responsible for cleanup. Multiple extraction wells installed. Community water supply impacted.
Barnes Air National Guard Base (Westfield)
PFAS above MCL in municipal wells. City of Westfield shut down two wells. Remediation negotiations with Air Force ongoing.
Former South Weymouth NAS (Weymouth/Rockland)
Navy investigation complete. Contamination plume mapped. Treatment systems installed for affected residential wells.
Otis Air National Guard Base / JBCC (Cape Cod)
Largest PFAS plume on Cape Cod. Aquifer contamination documented since early 2000s. Extensive pump-and-treat system operating.
Hanscom Air Force Base (Bedford)
PFAS detected in groundwater. Air Force conducting investigation and assessment.
Massachusetts PFAS Regulations
- Combined MCL of 20 ppt for PFOA + PFOS + PFNA + PFHxS + PFHpA + HFPO-DA — adopted October 2020
- All public water systems must test and comply — noncompliance requires public notification within 30 days
- MassDEP has authority to require source removal or treatment at contaminated water systems
- PFAS classified as a 'Reportable Quantity' hazardous material under Massachusetts Contingency Plan
- Dry cleaning facilities must test for PFAS under state PFAS reporting requirements
- State has sued multiple PFAS manufacturers to recover cleanup costs
- 2021 Act Relative to Environmental Justice requires PFAS testing in environmental justice communities
How to Test Your Water in Massachusetts
Massachusetts requires public water systems to test for the six regulated PFAS compounds and report results to MassDEP. Results are publicly available through the MassDEP drinking water database. Private well owners are not required to test, but MassDEP strongly recommends testing if you are near a military base, industrial site, landfill, or airport. Certified labs that serve Massachusetts include Pace Analytical, TestAmerica, and private testing services like Tap Score.
Recommended Filters for Massachusetts Residents
Any NSF P473 certified filter removes PFAS. The right type depends on whether you rent or own, and how many taps you want filtered.
Renters / Budget
Clearly Filtered Pitcher — $80 + $60/yr filters. NSF P473. No install.
See full reviewHomeowners / Kitchen
Under-sink RO system — $200-$400. Filters all drinking + cooking water at one tap.
See full reviewWhole-House
SpringWell PFAS system — $1,500+. Filters every tap including showers and laundry.
See full reviewCommon Questions
How does Massachusetts regulate PFAS differently than other states?+
Massachusetts was the first state to regulate PFAS as a combined total rather than individually. The 20 ppt MCL applies to the sum of six PFAS compounds. This is stricter in practice because a water source with moderate levels of multiple PFAS compounds can exceed the limit even if no single compound does.
Is Cape Cod PFAS contamination serious?+
Yes. Otis Air National Guard Base on Cape Cod has one of the largest PFAS plumes in New England. The Cape's sole-source aquifer underlies the entire peninsula and provides drinking water for over 200,000 people seasonally. PFAS has been detected at multiple public water systems and private wells. A pump-and-treat system has been operating for years but the plume remains large.
What happened in Westfield?+
Barnes Air National Guard Base used AFFF (aqueous film-forming foam) for decades, contaminating groundwater that feeds Westfield's municipal wells. The city was forced to shut down two wells when PFAS exceeded the state MCL. Westfield has been in negotiations with the Air Force over cleanup funding. The city installed treatment systems at remaining wells.
Should I filter my tap water in Massachusetts?+
If your water comes from a public system near a military base or the sites listed above, check the MassDEP database for your system's PFAS results. If results are near or above 20 ppt, a certified reverse osmosis filter or activated carbon system will remove PFAS. Private well owners near known contamination areas should test before drinking.
Protect Your Water Now
You do not need to wait for your state to act. An NSF P473 certified filter removes PFAS from your tap water today. Start with a test to know your levels, then pick the filter that fits your home.