ATHOL, MA (FRANKLIN COUNTY NOW) — The Athol Department of Public Works has issued a precautionary warning after a routine water sample test of the South Street Well detected high levels of perchlorate. Recent testing results found perchlorate at levels of 3.2 parts per billion, and the Massachusetts Maximum Containment Level is 2.0 ppb.

According to Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection policy, vulnerable populations pregnant and nursing women, children under 12 years of age, and individuals with hypothyroidism should not drink the tap water.

The Athol DPW noted that the South Street Well has historically only been used for a backup source to the Tully Wellfield and is only operated once a week for a few hours to allow for water quality testing. The well has been taken offline until the source of the perchlorate can be identified and appropriate corrective actions can be taken.

From the Athol DPW:

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT
MANDATED BY THE MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (MassDEP)
The following notice has been issued as a precautionary warning in accordance with MassDEP requirements.
Please note: The South Street Well has historically operated only as a backup water source to the Tully Wellfield. It is typically run just one day per week for a few hours, solely to allow for required routine water quality sampling.
Upon receiving recent routine sampling results from the laboratory, the Athol Department of Public Works – Water Division took immediate action and removed the South Street Well from service. The well will remain offline and will not be used as a backup drinking water source until the presence of perchlorate is investigated, the source identified, and appropriate corrective actions are completed.
We want to assure residents that this well is not part of our regular drinking water supply, and this action was taken swiftly to protect public health.
If you have any questions or need more information, please contact:
Todd Little
Athol DPW – Water Division
📞 978-249-9244
📧 tlittle@townofathol.org