CUSHING — Cushing Community School has turned to bottled water after results of a water quality test found PFAS levels in the water system to be higher than the standard. 

On November 2, 2022, RSU 13 informed staff and parents of the switch to bottled water, stating the State drinking water standard for PFAS is 20 ppt (parts per trillion) and CCS detected 24.9 parts per trillion (ppt). As a result, the school district is seeking to install a new filtration system as soon as possible. 

“We anticipate resolving the problem by JAN 2023,” said Superintendent John McDonald, in the report. “We will inform you when this problem has been corrected.”

According to the form, PFAS (Per- and Poly-Fluoroalkyl Substances) refers to a family of chemicals that have been used for a long time in many household and industrial products. PFAS in drinking water can come from industrial or agricultural sources.

“We are required by State rule to inform you of these levels, let you know the health risks and let you know what is being done to address this issue,” wrote McDonald. 

PFAS can build up and stay in the body for long periods of time. Scientists are still learning about the possible health effects of PFAS in drinking water. Most people have low amounts of these chemicals in their blood because the chemicals were used for several decades in many household and industrial products. Drinking water with high levels of PFAS can increase the level of these chemicals in the blood. Studies of populations with high levels of PFAS in their drinking water have reported an increased risk of kidney and testicular cancer, decreased immune system response, pregnancy-related complications, increased cholesterol levels and changes in liver enzymes. 

Boiling, filtering, or letting the water stand does not reduce PFAS levels.

For general information on PFAS and the State requirements, please visit the Maine Drinking Water Program's website at: https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/environmental-health/dwp/pws/pfas.shtml