Heard about PFAS in Sharon’s water and not sure what it means for your home? You want clear facts and simple next steps, especially if you are buying, selling, or living here. In this guide, you’ll learn what PFAS are, where Sharon stands today, and practical actions you can take whether you’re on town water or a private well. Let’s dive in.
PFAS basics for homeowners
PFAS are a large group of manmade chemicals used in things like nonstick cookware and firefighting foam. They can persist in the environment and some have been linked to health effects. For a quick overview, see Massachusetts’ plain‑language explainer on what PFAS are.
In April 2024, EPA finalized national drinking water standards that set enforceable limits for several PFAS. The rule starts a multi‑year monitoring and compliance process that is still being implemented. You can review EPA’s summary of the new standards and timelines here.
Massachusetts already has a state standard known as PFAS6. It sets a limit of 20 parts per trillion for the sum of six PFAS in public drinking water. You can read the state’s PFAS6 details and consumer guidance on MassDEP’s PFAS page.
Sharon water: where things stand
Sampling in Sharon detected PFAS above the Massachusetts PFAS6 limit at one well (identified in project materials as Well 4). The Town installed emergency ion‑exchange treatment so the source could remain in service while meeting the state standard. A permanent water treatment facility that will treat Wells 2, 3, and 4 is under way. You can see a summary of the initial response in this project overview.
The Town has published construction updates and funding details for the new Water Treatment Facility, which will address PFAS and other minerals. Track progress on the Town’s Water Treatment Facility project page.
For your address, always confirm the latest finished‑water results in the Town’s annual Consumer Confidence Report and any PFAS notices. Sharon posts updates on the Water Quality Report page.
If you’re on Sharon town water
- Check the newest Consumer Confidence Report and any PFAS monitoring updates for current numbers.
- Sign up for town notifications and review construction updates for the treatment plant so you know when changes occur.
- Follow official guidance if there is an exceedance.
- Do not boil water to remove PFAS. Boiling does not remove PFAS and can concentrate them. See NSF’s consumer guidance on PFAS and boiling here.
- Consider short‑term point‑of‑use filtration for drinking and cooking.
- Use certified filters that reduce PFAS, such as granular activated carbon, ion‑exchange, or reverse osmosis. Check that products are certified for PFAS reduction (NSF/ANSI 53 or 58) and maintain cartridges as directed. EPA offers a useful overview of certified filters and how to choose.
- If someone in your household is pregnant, nursing, an infant, or otherwise in a sensitive group, consider using bottled or certified filtered water for drinking and food preparation when PFAS levels exceed state guidance until the system is back in compliance.
If you have a private well
- Test for PFAS with a MassDEP‑certified laboratory if you have not already. MassDEP’s private well FAQ explains when to test, how often to retest, and which methods to use (EPA 537/537.1). Start here: PFAS in private wells.
- If PFAS are detected above the Massachusetts PFAS6 level or applicable federal levels:
- Use alternative water for drinking and cooking and contact your local Board of Health.
- Consider treatment options sized to your needs, including point‑of‑use reverse osmosis or whole‑house systems using granular activated carbon or ion‑exchange. EPA’s guide to certified PFAS‑reducing filters can help you evaluate options.
- Budget for both initial installation and ongoing maintenance. Get multiple quotes and confirm certifications before you purchase.
Buyers and sellers: practical steps
- Buyers on municipal water
- Request the latest Consumer Confidence Report and any recent PFAS monitoring summaries. Sharon’s reports are posted on the Water Quality Report page.
- If the system has an active project, ask the Town about the construction timeline and how it affects current water quality. The Town’s project updates are on the Water Treatment Facility page.
- Buyers with private wells
- Include a water‑quality contingency that requires PFAS testing by a MassDEP‑certified lab before closing. MassDEP explains certified labs and methods in the private well FAQ above.
- Sellers and listing agents
- Massachusetts does not have a broad mandatory seller disclosure for environmental conditions, but you must not make false statements. Many buyers and lenders now request water testing. For an overview of seller obligations, see this plain‑English summary of Massachusetts disclosure basics. Consult a local real‑estate attorney for property‑specific advice.
Picking a home filter the right way
- Match the technology to the goal. GAC and ion‑exchange can be effective, and reverse osmosis is common at the kitchen sink for drinking and cooking.
- Verify independent certification. Look for NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 certifications for PFAS reduction and confirm the model in the certifier’s directory.
- Maintain it. Follow the manufacturer’s replacement schedule to keep performance on target.
Stay informed and move with confidence
PFAS standards continue to evolve at both the federal and state level, and Sharon has taken near‑term and long‑term steps to address local detections. By checking the latest reports, choosing certified filtration when needed, and building smart contingencies into a transaction, you can protect your household and your investment.
If you want help aligning water considerations with your next move in Sharon, connect with Barrie Naji for discreet, locally informed guidance tailored to your goals.
FAQs
Is Sharon’s tap water safe to drink right now?
- Check the Town’s most recent Consumer Confidence Report and any PFAS notices for current finished‑water results, and follow any guidance provided by the Water Division.
What should I do if PFAS are reported in my area?
- Use bottled or certified filtered water for drinking and cooking if directed, and avoid boiling; consider a certified point‑of‑use filter while the system returns to compliance.
Do home filters actually remove PFAS?
- Yes, certain technologies can reduce PFAS, including granular activated carbon, ion‑exchange, and reverse osmosis; always choose units with independent PFAS reduction certifications and maintain them properly.
How do I handle PFAS in a home purchase in Sharon?
- Ask for the latest CCR and monitoring updates, and include a water‑quality contingency; for private wells, require PFAS testing by a certified lab before closing.
If my private well shows PFAS, do I have to tell buyers?
- Massachusetts has limited mandatory disclosures, but you must not misrepresent known facts; discuss strategy with your real‑estate attorney and be prepared for buyer and lender testing requests.
