PFAS in New Hampshire Schools and Daycares: What Parents Should Know

TL;DR: PFAS contamination is a growing issue in New Hampshire’s schools and daycares, affecting water quality and posing health risks to children. Testing, filtration, and parent advocacy are essential to ensure clean, PFAS-free drinking water for these facilities.

Do you know if the water your child drinks at school is safe? PFAS contamination has been found in New Hampshire’s schools and daycares, posing hidden but serious health risks. While these chemicals have been beneficial in manufacturing, their persistence in the environment has led to widespread contamination of water supplies. For parents in New Hampshire, understanding the risks associated with PFAS in NH schools is essential for ensuring the safety and well-being of their children.

PFAS are often called “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down easily and can accumulate in the body over time. Even low-level exposure over extended periods can lead to severe health issues, particularly for children. Research has linked PFAS exposure to developmental delays, immune system suppression, and increased risks of cancers and hormone-related disorders. For young children, who are still developing physically and cognitively, the effects of PFAS exposure can be particularly harmful.

The Scope of PFAS Contamination in Schools and Daycares

Schools and daycares across New Hampshire rely on a mix of public water systems and private wells. In some regions, particularly those near common sources of contamination like industrial sites or landfills, water supplies may contain elevated levels of PFAS. When these chemicals leach into groundwater or surface water, they can easily make their way into the taps of local schools and daycare centers, leading to daycare water contamination in NH.

How PFAS Affects Schools and Daycares in NH

1. Public Water Systems and PFAS Risks

Many schools and daycare centers in New Hampshire are connected to public water systems regulated for contaminants, including PFAS. However, regulations and monitoring practices vary across municipalities, and some public systems have shown elevated PFAS levels, especially in areas near known contamination sites. This means that while the water might appear clean, the risk remains if thorough testing and filtering have not been implemented.

2. Private Wells: An Unregulated Risk

Schools and daycares using private wells face additional challenges. Unlike public water systems, private wells are not subject to state regulation, leaving the responsibility for testing and treatment up to the property owners. In rural and semi-rural parts of New Hampshire, many schools and childcare facilities rely on these wells, making them vulnerable to daycare water contamination if proactive measures aren’t taken.

What’s Being Done to Provide Clean Water for Schools in NH?

New Hampshire has recognized the urgency of the PFAS issue and has implemented measures to safeguard water quality in schools and daycare centers.

State Testing Programs

As of July 2022, New Hampshire’s “Get The Lead Out of Drinking Water” program requires K-12 schools and licensed child care facilities to test all water outlets used by children, lowering the lead action level from 15 ppb to 5 ppb, with three rounds of testing mandated by June 30, 2024. In 2022, the state organized the NH Choose Safe Places Program – a pilot project offering free water testing for about 75 Early Care and Education providers using private wells.

These types of programs provide schools with the resources necessary to take corrective action. However, given the widespread nature of contamination, not every facility is covered for every contaminant.

Remediation and Filtration Support

Once PFAS contamination is identified, the state offers support for PFAS filtration solutions such as installing granular activated carbon (GAC) filters, reverse osmosis systems, or other advanced filtration technologies to target PFAS compounds. While these systems are effective, they require regular maintenance and replacement to ensure ongoing protection.

New Regulations and Compliance Requirements

The state has set enforceable limits for PFAS levels in water supplies to ensure that schools and daycares comply with health standards. Facilities that exceed these limits are required to implement immediate measures, such as temporary bottled water solutions or installing long-term filtration systems, to reduce PFAS exposure.

What Can Parents Do to Ensure PFAS-Free Water in Schools and Daycares?

While state programs and regulations provide a baseline for safety, parents also play a crucial role in advocating for clean water for NH schools. Here’s how you can make a difference:

1. Ask About Water Testing

If your child’s school or daycare relies on a private well or if it’s located near a known PFAS contamination site, ask the administration when the last water test was conducted and whether PFAS levels were checked. Request to see testing results if available and inquire about the measures being taken to maintain water safety.

2. Advocate for Filtration Systems

If a school’s water tests positive for PFAS, parents can push for effective PFAS filtration systems. Activated carbon and reverse osmosis systems are proven to reduce PFAS levels significantly. Encouraging the school administration to work with the state for funding or support in installing these systems can be a proactive step toward ensuring safe water for all students.

3. Support and Participate in Local Efforts

Local communities often mobilize to address environmental issues, and PFAS contamination is no exception. Joining or supporting local environmental groups advocating for cleaner water standards can amplify the message and push for action at a broader level. These groups often collaborate with state agencies, share resources, and provide updates on contamination status and efforts to improve water quality.

Long-Term Solutions for PFAS in NH Schools

Addressing PFAS contamination in schools and daycare centers requires both immediate action and long-term planning. The following strategies are part of New Hampshire’s efforts to secure clean water for its youngest residents:

Better Statewide Monitoring

To prevent future contamination issues, New Hampshire is expanding its monitoring programs to include a broader range of schools and daycares, especially those relying on private wells. These expanded programs aim to provide comprehensive data and ensure no facility is left unchecked.

Investing in Infrastructure Upgrades

The state is also working to modernize water infrastructure in communities most affected by PFAS contamination. By upgrading filtration systems and improving water treatment facilities, New Hampshire aims to reduce the risk of PFAS entering school and daycare water supplies in the first place.

Educational Programs for Schools and Parents

Education is a critical component of protecting water safety. By providing schools and parents with information about PFAS and how to manage potential contamination, the state hopes to foster greater awareness and proactive measures. Workshops, informational materials, and online resources are being offered to help schools understand their responsibilities and options for maintaining water safety.

Whatever It Takes To Provide Safe Water for Our Children

PFAS contamination in New Hampshire schools and daycares is a serious concern that demands attention. By understanding the risks associated with PFAS in NH schools and advocating for solutions, parents can play a crucial role in ensuring safe drinking water for their children. Working together with local schools, state programs, and community groups, we can push for clean water and create a safer environment for the next generation.

If you’re concerned about the safety of your household water supply, we can help. Plus, you can take advantage of the PFAS Removal Rebate Program to help cover the costs of purchasing and installing approved filtration systems. Reach out to NH Tap today for help navigating water testing and filtration.