Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) environmental engineering graduate students Abby Harvey and Tchelet Segev, with their advisor, Dr. Kathleen Vandiver, presented and explained results of a water-quality study conducted on Boyden's Lake watershed to over 30 local residents gathered at Eastport's Welcome Center on May 21. The study's purpose was to provide area residents with independently tested information on drinking water quality, to determine concentrations of arsenic and lead in Passamaquoddy Water District (PWD) water and the area's wells, to calculate water‑related human health risks, and to identify potential sources of high concentrations of arsenic and lead.
     The project, launched in September 2017, tested water samples provided by Eastport, Perry and Sipayik residents. Over 300 households submitted kits containing standing and flushed tap water. People also sent water samples before and after filtration. The research team tested 145 wells, doubling the number of wells tested by the U.S. Geological Survey in 2005‑2009.
     Results indicated that, of the wells sampled, 13% had arsenic levels above the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) guidelines, a typical percentage in Maine. None of the PWD water sampled had arsenic levels above the guidelines. A few households with well and PWD water had lead levels above the guidelines. The researchers suggest that while arsenic's source is geological, lead may be a household issue, perhaps leaching from old piping. PWD treats the water at its plant to lower the concentrations of arsenic and lead, already low at the Boyden's Lake source. The PWD piping distribution system does not add arsenic or lead to the water.
     Risk models show that health hazards associated with the area's drinking water are small. Among arsenic's adverse health effects are cancer, cognitive impairment and low birthweight. For lead, developmental delay, kidney damage and high blood pressure in adults are primary concerns. The cancer risk model predicts an 0.11 increased risk of cancer for Eastport, Perry and Sipayik residents from drinking well water over a lifetime. This risk primarily is attributed to arsenic. For those drinking PWD water, the risk drops to 0.0075. Beyond cancer, the risk model predicts that 23 households have potential for adverse health effects due to combined exposure to multiple metals. In addition to arsenic and lead, the study tested for cadmium, manganese, aluminum, copper, zinc, cobalt, nickel, iron, selenium and chromium. However, it did not include microbials, radon, organics or trihalomethanes.
     For residents whose results indicated arsenic and/or lead levels higher than EPA guidelines, the researchers offer advice. In all samples where lead levels were exceeded, flushing water for at least two minutes lowered concentrations to safe levels for drinking and cooking. Arsenic, however, cannot be flushed out. Those with high arsenic levels can opt for filter systems or seek an alternate water supply.
     Since EPA guidelines are enforceable only in public water supplies, those with personal wells are advised to test their water annually. This is particularly important in households with small children, where even lead levels below EPA guidelines may be a health concern. In a separate study conducted by Augusta, Maine students in grades 3 to 5 presented with neurological deficits when lead levels exceeded half the EPA guideline.
     Several residents who use PWD water noted that, after flushing, their sample results indicated higher, rather than lower, concentrations of aluminum. The researchers explained that, in a "standard procedure," PWD uses aluminum as a coagulant. In all cases, aluminum concentrations remained well below EPA guidelines and are said to pose no health hazards.
     For more information on how to interpret the study's results, learn about health effects and explore possible remedial actions, visit <https://ohiowatersheds.osu.edu/know‑your‑well‑water/well‑water‑in>terpretation‑tool>.