KENNEBEC JOURNAL • December 6, 2024
The Greater Augusta Utilities District shut down two of its drinking water wells last month after testing showed levels of PFAS above the limit allowed by the state. The levels of PFAS, commonly known as forever chemicals because they stay in the environment for hundreds of years, were measured on Nov. 4 at 23.3 parts per trillion – 15% higher than the regulated maximum – at the two Riverside wells. The district was notified of the measurement on Nov. 19 and shut down the wells the same day. Levels had nearly tripled since the previous test in March.