PFAS Information

PFAS Detection in Truro:

In the Spring of 2023, PFAS was found in monitoring wells at the Transfer Station during voluntary testing.
In the Fall of 2024, as part of a site investigation at the DPW site, PFAS was detected in the soil and groundwater above applicable standards.

The Town has contracted with a licensed site professional who developed an Immediate Response Action (IRA) plan for each site.
 o The Town has conducted soil testing and installed monitoring wells to determine the extent of PFAS contamination in the soil and groundwater.
 o The Town has determined the direction of ground water flow and based on this, has tested the private wells of surrounding homes.
 o Bottled water has been provided to all homes with detectable PFAS concentrations. “Point of Entry Treatment” (POET) systems are being installed at those homes, and once those systems are in place, the bottled water service will be discontinued.
o Further remediation will include installing a permeable reactive barrier (PRB) and a soil cap over the source.

  • Select Board update February 26, 2025, click here
  • For Reports and Documents click here
  • For DEP documents click here

Helpful Links:

Barnstable County PFAS Sampling

Update: Barnstable County Water Quality Lab is now conducting PFAS sampling! Kits and instructions can be picked up from the Truro Health Department (24 Town Hall Rd) or the lab (3195 Main Street in Barnstable). The cost is $265. The courier service can still be used for this sampling process, or you can drop the sample off directly at the lab. Drop-off hours are Monday through Thursday, from 8 am to 4 pm, and from 8 am to noon on Fridays. If you have any questions, please call the lab directly at 508-375-6605.

Envirotech Laboratories

Envirotech Laboratories out of Sandwich does offer the testing for residential properties. If you are interested in the testing or have general questions for them, give them a call at 508-888-6460.

Important items to take note of:

  • The testing kits have to be picked up and dropped off from their Sandwich location - 8 Jan Sebastian Dr., Unit 12, Sandwich MA 02563.
  • The test is very sensitive. Homeowners can conduct the test themselves, but Envirotech encourages the property owner to have Envirotech staff conduct the testing. This helps ensure that it is done correctly the first time, therefore saving the property owner from the cost of retesting.
  • As of November 16, 2022, the cost for PFAS testing is $495; the additional fee for having Envirotech staff conduct the test themselves is $65.
  • The turnaround time is 14 days.
  • The testing itself is subcontracted out through Envirotech.