The New Hampshire House Resources, Recreation and Development Committee convened on January 22, 2025, to discuss critical issues surrounding water quality and infrastructure in local water districts, particularly focusing on the challenges posed by PFAS contamination.

A significant point of discussion was the situation in a water district serving approximately 300 households, where one of the wells has been found to have PFAS levels near the regulatory limit of 12 parts per trillion. The well, located near an elementary school, has raised concerns due to its contamination, while another well near a busy road remains unaffected. The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (DES) has proposed a costly solution: constructing a new pump house and installing a PFAS filtration system, estimated to cost around $6 million. This would result in a substantial increase in water bills for residents, potentially doubling their current costs.

In response to the financial burden, a proposed bill aims to provide residents with an alternative solution. Instead of the expensive filtration system, the bill would allow the water district to offer individual filters for kitchen use, significantly reducing costs to under $1 million. This option would enable residents to maintain access to potable water without the extensive financial implications of the larger project.

However, the bill has raised concerns among committee members regarding the implications of providing non-potable water and the responsibilities of residents to maintain their filtration systems. Questions were raised about the adequacy of individual filters and the potential for neglect in their maintenance, which could lead to health risks.

Brandon Kernan from the DES highlighted the complexities of the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, which mandates strict compliance with drinking water standards. He expressed skepticism about the feasibility of the proposed bill, noting that it could conflict with federal regulations and ultimately fail to provide a sustainable solution to the PFAS issue.

The committee's discussions underscored the urgent need for effective and affordable solutions to water quality challenges in New Hampshire, as well as the balancing act between regulatory compliance and the financial realities faced by local water districts. The proposed bill is set to be voted on in March during the regular town elections, with significant implications for the residents of the affected water district.