Water Pollution In Massachusetts: Is It A Concern?

Water pollution in Massachusetts is a pressing issue, with the state facing challenges such as stormwater runoff, sewage overflow, and contamination by toxic forever chemicals like PFAS. Despite its relatively low water pollution compared to other states, Massachusetts still invests significant efforts and funds into addressing these issues. The state has implemented various measures, including green infrastructure and stricter regulations, to improve water quality and protect its residents' health. However, the costs of cleaning up water pollution can be high, often borne by taxpayers and communities. This raises concerns about the financial burden on residents and the effectiveness of current solutions.

Sewage overflows

CSOs are relics from the mid-19th century when cities built sewer infrastructure differently. While modern sewer systems separate sewage and stormwater pipes, allowing for the treatment of sewage before discharge, CSOs continue to pose a challenge in Massachusetts. During periods of intense precipitation or snowmelt, the mix of sewage and stormwater exceeds the capacity of the pipes and treatment facilities. As a result, the untreated or partially treated mixture is discharged into rivers, lakes, and coastal areas, leading to water pollution and quality violations.

The impact of sewage overflows on public health and the environment is significant. Untreated human sewage contains harmful bacteria, viruses, and pathogens, including E. coli, salmonella, hepatitis, and dysentery. These contaminants pose serious health risks to swimmers, boaters, and anyone who comes into contact with the polluted water, potentially causing gastrointestinal illnesses and other infectious diseases. The discharge of sewage into waterways also disrupts aquatic ecosystems by increasing water temperature and compromising water quality.

Massachusetts has taken steps to address the issue of sewage overflows. In 2021, Governor Baker signed a law requiring sewer operators to notify the public when and where raw or partially treated sewage has entered waterways. This law aims to protect residents from unknowingly coming into contact with harmful bacteria. Additionally, communities in Massachusetts have invested approximately $1 billion over the last decade to mitigate CSO pollution. Despite these efforts, the state still discharges around three billion gallons of sewage into the water each year.

The problem of sewage overflows is further exacerbated by climate change. As the planet continues to warm due to human activity, the Northeast region, including Massachusetts, is expected to experience more frequent and intense rainfall events. This increase in precipitation will likely lead to more frequent sewage overflows, as the current water infrastructure was not designed to handle such volumes. As a result, there is a growing need to implement long-term solutions and adapt to changing climatic conditions to protect public health and the environment.

Stormwater runoff

The impact of stormwater runoff is exacerbated by increased development and impervious surfaces in an area. As more houses, roads, and businesses are built, the natural capacity of the soil and vegetation to absorb rainfall decreases, resulting in more stormwater runoff. This can lead to negative consequences such as erosion, flooding, and the contamination of surface waters.

To address these challenges, Massachusetts has implemented various measures and regulations. The state has developed the Massachusetts Stormwater Handbook, which provides guidelines and standards for stormwater management. The handbook is designed to help communities understand and comply with the Wetlands Regulations and Water Quality Regulations related to stormwater. It includes information on best management practices (BMPs) and the legal and regulatory framework for stormwater management.

In addition to the handbook, Massachusetts has established programs to minimize stormwater pollution and improve water quality. The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) has several initiatives, including the Good Housekeeping program, which aims to reduce stormwater pollution sources from agency properties and maintenance activities. The DCR also has programs focused on construction site runoff control, post-construction management, and the identification and elimination of illicit sources of non-stormwater discharges. These programs utilize mapping and data analysis tools, such as ArcGIS, to track and manage stormwater-related issues effectively.

Furthermore, Massachusetts has mandated that certain communities, such as Natick, develop a Stormwater Master Plan as part of the Phase II National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program. This plan requires communities to address six minimum control measures to enhance stormwater management and reduce its environmental impact. Green infrastructure solutions, such as permeable pavement, rain gardens, and riparian buffers, are also being promoted to slow, filter, and store polluted runoff before it reaches waterways.

PFAS contamination

PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) contamination is a significant issue in Massachusetts, affecting both public and private water supplies. PFAS are toxic "forever chemicals" that have been detected in drinking water across the state, posing risks to public health and the environment.

The sources of PFAS contamination in Massachusetts vary. In some cases, it is attributed to the use of firefighting foam containing PFAS, leading to legal action against manufacturers. In other instances, such as in the town of Stow, an old fire station has been identified as the source of PFAS contamination in nearby private wells. The state has allocated $170 million for PFAS cleanup, and the federal government has provided an additional $38 million to address PFAS and other emerging contaminants in drinking water.

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has established regulations to address PFAS in drinking water, with a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of 20 parts per trillion (ppt) for the sum of six PFAS compounds (PFAS6). However, these regulations are currently less stringent than the new federal MCLs, and amendments are expected to align with EPA standards. MassDEP requires all new sources of drinking water to be tested for PFAS using approved methods, and the results are made available to the public.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is expected to announce draft regulations for PFAS in drinking water, signalling that the acceptable levels will be very low. While these regulations are a positive step towards addressing PFAS contamination, it is recognised that even millions of dollars may not be sufficient to fully remediate the widespread water pollution caused by these persistent chemicals.

Water quality standards

Water pollution in Massachusetts is mainly caused by stormwater runoff, sewage pollution, and PFAS and pesticides. The state has been taking measures to combat this, with communities investing roughly $1 billion to tackle CSO pollution issues. In 2021, a law was passed requiring sewer operators to notify the public when raw or partially treated sewage has entered waterways.

The Massachusetts Surface Water Quality Standards are a set of regulations that implement the provisions of the federal Clean Water Act. These standards aim to protect the most sensitive uses of the state's waters and provide criteria for evaluating water quality. The regulations are enforceable by the Commonwealth, and any revisions to the standards must be approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to be federally enforceable under the Clean Water Act.

The Surface Water Quality Standards include criteria for:

• Freshwater streams and rivers designated as cold waters
• National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits
• Copper: application of the Biotic Ligand Model for NPDES and Massachusetts SWD permits
• Combined sewer overflow discharges to the Alewife Brook/Upper Mystic River Basin and the Charles River Basin
• Industrial wastewater holding tank construction, operation, and record-keeping
• Public awareness of sewage pollution
• Wastewater treatment works and indirect dischargers

The Environmental Protection Agency's Enforcement and Compliance History Online (ECHO) database collects information on drinking water utilities' compliance with federal health-based water quality standards and other requirements. ECHO water quality violation scores take into account the severity and duration of violations.

Massachusetts has strict limits on PFAS in drinking water, and the state has allocated $170 million for PFAS cleanup. The cost of removing these "forever chemicals" is high, and new regulations are expected to increase the price of clean drinking water in the state.

Health impacts of water pollution

Water pollution is a pressing issue in Massachusetts, with sources ranging from stormwater runoff and sewage pollution to PFAS and pesticides. While the state has made significant efforts to address these issues, water pollution continues to have detrimental effects on public health.

The health impacts of water pollution are far-reaching and can affect people of all ages, but particularly older people. Water pollution can induce hormonal changes, accelerate aging, and lead to the premature onset of age-related health issues. Certain chemical pollutants, such as pesticides and industrial chemicals, have been linked to neurological and psychiatric disorders, including mood swings, depression, cognitive decline, and anxiety. These impacts can affect both women and men, with women potentially facing additional challenges due to traditional water-related activities.

One of the critical concerns related to water pollution in Massachusetts is the presence of PFAS (per- and polyfluorinated compounds), also known as "forever chemicals." These toxic chemicals have contaminated drinking water supplies across the state, and their removal is challenging and costly. PFAS has been linked to hormonal disruptions and associated health changes, particularly affecting reproductive health and endocrine systems.

Sewage overflows, another prevalent issue in Massachusetts, pose significant health risks. Untreated human sewage can contain harmful bacteria and pathogens, including salmonella, hepatitis, dysentery, and cryptosporidium. These contaminants can lead to infectious diseases and disrupt aquatic ecosystems. Additionally, sewage releases can impact water temperature and quality, further exacerbating the environmental and health consequences.

The state of Massachusetts has taken steps to address water pollution and protect public health. For instance, Governor Baker signed a law in 2021 requiring sewer operators to notify the public about raw or partially treated sewage releases into waterways. This initiative helps prevent unintentional exposure to harmful bacteria. Additionally, the state has allocated funds for PFAS cleanup and proposed the creation of a PFAS trust fund.

In summary, water pollution in Massachusetts has a range of health impacts, from disrupting hormonal balance and increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease to causing neurological and psychiatric disorders. Addressing water pollution is crucial to safeguard the health and well-being of the state's residents, particularly the aging population. Implementing effective measures to control pollution and improve drinking water quality is essential to mitigate these health risks.

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